ADULT STUDY IN BASIC ENGLISH Acts: Telling God’s Good News to Everyone

Written by Carolyn Cree Phyllis Merritt Ann Pitman

BAPTISTWAY Dallas, Texas

ADULT BIBLE STUDY IN BASIC ENGLISH ACTS: TELLING GOD’S GOOD NEWS TO EVERYONE Copyright (c) 2000 by BAPTISTWAY All rights reserved.

Permission is granted for a church to make copies of this publication as needed for use within its ministry. Copies of this publication are not to be sold, distributed, or used in any other manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations. For information, contact BAPTISTWAY, Baptist General Convention of Texas, 333 North Washington Ave., Dallas, TX 75246-1798.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture verses are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE Version, identified by “N.L.V.” Published by Christian Literature International, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission.

First edition: June 2000

BAPTISTWAY Management Team Executive Director, Baptist General Convention of Texas Charles Wade Director, State Missions Commission James Semple Director, Sunday School/Discipleship Division Bernard M. Spooner Publishing consultant Ross West, Positive Difference Communications

Language Materials Team Bible Comments Writer for Unit 1 Carolyn Cree, University Baptist Church, Fort Worth Bible Comments Writer for Unit 2 Phyllis Merritt, First Baptist Church, San Antonio Bible Comments Writer for Unit 3 Ann Pitman, Columbus Avenue Baptist Church Editor for Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 3 Cindy Lewis Dake, First Baptist Church, Arlington Facilitator for the Adult Basic English Team Jim Gayle, Coordinator, International Friendship Corps Church Ministries Department New Work Consultant, Multi-Ethnic, Baptist General Convention of Texas Patty Lane Facilitators Coordinator, Consultant, Sunday School/Discipleship Div., Baptist General Convention of Texas Nelda P. Williams

An introduction to the book of Acts Unit 1

he Book of Acts tells of a growing group of . God helped them do some wonderful and mighty things. But they had some

things to learn. They were not perfect, and there were some things Adult Bible Study T in Basic English they didn’t understand. These early Christians had to understand that the was for all peo- Unit 1 ple. It was not only for Jewish people like them. It was for people everywhere. Lesson 1: Witnesses? Who? Us? (:1-14) Before rose to heaven after the crucifixion, He said, “But you will re- Lesson 2: Given power by the Spirit? Who? Us? (:1-16, ceive power when the Holy Spirit comes into your life. You will tell about Me 22, 24, 36-41) Lesson 3: Helping others? Who? in the city of and over all the countries of Judea and Samaria and to Me? (:1-10) the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Lesson 4: Always faithful? Who? Us? (:1-20) The disciples thought Jesus’ command meant that they were to be wit-

Unit 2 nesses only to the Jews. (A witness is someone who tells what they have Lesson 5: Let nothing stop the seen.) As they grew as Christians, they understood what Jesus meant. Jesus Good News (:4-8, 25-39) Lesson 6: Chosen to carry the meant something much more. He meant that they were to tell the good news Lord’s Message (:1-22, 26-29) of His love to everyone, not just to the Jews. The Holy Spirit led them to see Lesson 7: Seeing a bigger world that Jesus was sending them to be His witnesses to all people everywhere. (:1-5, 9-17, 23-48) Lesson 8: Don’t be afraid to The Book of Acts tells how God helped the early church to share God’s change for God (:1-4, 15-26) Good News with everyone. And if we look carefully, we will see that the Lesson 9: Love all people the way God does (:1-22) Book of Acts tells us how we are to reach out to others. Some of us find it hard to talk about Jesus to friends or neighbors. And it can be hard to talk Unit 3 Lesson 10: How to have new life about Jesus with a stranger. But the book of Acts shows us that we must be (:11-15, 22-34) Lesson 11: How to tell religious ready to share Jesus’ love with everyone. people the truth about God The Bible verses for each lesson will help you understand the truths (:16-34) Lesson 12: How to serve God from the Book of Acts. faithfully (:17-37) Lesson 13: How to carry out your mission in life (:16-31)

Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 1, page 2 Unit 1 Introduction Lesson 1 Who? Us?

he Book of Acts is a most amazing book. When we open its first

Adult Bible Study pages, we find a small group of people. They were followers of a in Basic English T crucified carpenter. They were members of a small secret sect. They must have been very afraid. By the end of Acts we see the growth of their group. A small group Bible Text of 120 people grew to many thousands. They boldly took the message of Acts 1:1-14 to the known world. One of their leaders (Saul/Paul) preached in the capital of the Roman Empire (Acts 28:31). This was the beginning of the most powerful movement in human Memory Verse history. How did such a movement begin? What can we learn from it? Acts 1:8 And how can we do the same? We find the answers in Acts. We see the “But you will receive power courage of the first Christians. We can study how to follow in their when the Holy Spirit comes footsteps. into your life. You will tell These four lessons are meant to help churches. Think about how about Me in the city of Jerusa- you are like the early church members. We will study: lem and over all the countries Lesson 1: witnessing (Acts 1:1-14), of Judea and Samaria and to Lesson 2: being given power by God’s Spirit (2:1-16, 22, 24, 36-41), the ends of the earth.” Lesson 3: helping others (3:1-10), and

Lesson 4: being faithful (4:1-20). Word List attorney: a lawyer encourage: to help international: a person from Unit 1, Lesson 1 another country jury: people who give an Witnesses? Who? Us? answer to questions eny Madfarska is from Sofia, a city in the country of Bulgaria. brought in a court case She moved to Texas to become a student at Texas Christian prosecutor: public officer in University in Fort Worth, Texas. court who brings charges R against the one on trial One day, Reny came to the International House, which is very near testimony: to tell what you the college campus. People from many countries come to the know to be true International House. It is like a “home away from home.” They can study witness, witnesses: a person English at the International House. They can make friends. They know who tells what they have they are welcome. Sometimes, they study the Bible. seen Reny met and Courtland Hendricks. They were the host and

hostess at the International House. They made Reny feel welcomed. She was glad to enjoy activities with other internationals.

This lesson was written by Carolyn Cree of Fort Worth, Texas.

Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 1, page 3

Acts 1:1-14 Reny wanted to learn about Jesus. She began to 1 Dear , in my first writings I wrote attend the Bible lessons. One day Reny became a about all the things Jesus did and taught from Christian. Her life was changed. Reny was like a new the beginning person. 2 until the day He went to heaven. He spoke to Now Reny goes to school at Southwestern Baptist the missionaries through the Holy Spirit. He told those whom He had chosen what they Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. A seminary is a should do. school where people study the Bible and learn more about 3 After He had suffered much and then died, He God. Reny plans to spend her life telling others about showed Himself alive in many sure ways for Jesus. Her face glows when she talks about Him. forty days. He told them many things about the holy nation of God David and Courtland were also students at the 4 As they were gathered together with Him, He Seminary. When they finished their studies, they moved told them, “Do not leave Jerusalem. Wait for away. Reny became the hostess at the International what the Father has promised. You heard Me House. Now she has large groups of people from all over speak of this. 5 For baptized with water but in the world at her Bible lessons. She has become a witness a few days you will be baptized with the Holy for Jesus. Spirit.” 6 Those who were with Him asked, “Lord, is this the time for You to give the nation back to the Witnesses for Jesus Jews?” Jesus came to earth to build God’s kingdom. When we 7 He said, “It is not for you to know the special believe in Him, we become His witnesses. What is a days or the special times which the Father has put in His own power. witness? A witness is a person who has seen something. 8 “But you will receive power when the Holy A witness is a person who knows about something. A Spirit comes into your life. You will tell about witness can tell others what they know. A witness can Me in the city of Jerusalem and over all the spread the news about God and His Son, Jesus Christ. countries of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Are you afraid to witness to other people? Some 9 When Jesus had said this and while they were believers tell others about their faith easily. But it is hard still looking at Him, He was taken up. A cloud for some of us. We feel that we are “on trial.” But we are carried Him away so they could not see Him. not. 10 They were still looking up to heaven, watching Him go. All at once two men dressed in white Jesus is the one on trial: The Holy Spirit is the stood beside them. defense attorney. is the prosecutor. The unsaved 11 They said, “You men of the country of Galilee, person is the jury. why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Your is to go to the witness stand and tell what same Jesus Who was taken from you into heaven will return in the same way you saw you know. (A witness stand is the place in a courtroom Him go up into heaven.” where a witness is seated as he/she tells her story.) You 12 The followers went back to Jerusalem from the must leave the results with God. You may hear the jury’s Mount of Olives, which is close to Jerusalem. verdict. But, you may never know what the jury decided. 13 When they came into the city, they went up to a room on the second floor where they stayed. That is not up to you. Your job is to be a witness. The followers were Peter and John, James and Jesus has called each of us to that witness stand. Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and What will happen when you go there? Matthew, James the son of , Simon the Canaanite, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all agreed as they prayed together. The God’s holy nation women and Mary the mother of Jesus and His God’s holy nation was Jesus’ main interest. What is this brothers were there. Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 1, page 4 nation? What is your plan? Jesus taught us to pray, “May Your holy nation First, begin sharing God’s Good News today! Do not come. What You want done, may it be done on earth wait! The gave the Christians only a little time as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). before they said, “You men of the country of Galilee, God’s nation comes when and where His will is why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same done. When you and I make God our King, we enter Jesus Who was taken from you into heaven will return His holy nation. When we lead others to do the same, in the same way you saw Him go up into we build His holy nation. heaven” (Acts 1:11). In other words, get busy! This is why Jesus came to earth: to build the Second, join others. Find other believers. Join holy nation of God. them. Pray with them. Encourage them and be

encouraged by them. Jesus’ last words Third, invite others to join you in service. Ask “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit God to show you the Christians He wants you to comes into your life. You will tell about Me in the encourage. You may be the answer to their prayer, city of Jerusalem and over all the countries of Judea too. and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We cannot bring people to God by our own What does God expect? power. We must receive the power of the Holy Spirit. You know that Jesus died for you. You know that God Think about those first Christians. They were a very raised Him from the dead. You believe in Him as your small group. But they were given the task of bringing Lord and Master. But you’re not sure what to do next. millions of people to Christ. What does God expect of you? No beautiful buildings, no great preaching, no You go to church. You serve any way you can. great music can show people their sin. Only the Holy You give your money. You pray and study your Bible. Spirit can save their souls. Only the Holy Spirit can What else should you do? do that. The answer is simple. God wants you to make The Spirit of God helps us build His holy nation His holy nation your highest goal. He wants you to be on earth. This is why prayer and worship are so His faithful child. He wants you to help others make important. God their King. He wants you to be His witness in all

you do. He wants you to begin where you are with Where do we begin? the people you know. And He wants you to start The world is a big place. Where should we begin to now! Right now! share God’s Good News? The answer is easy: we begin where we are. Things to think about The early disciples started in Jerusalem. This 1. What is your main purpose in life? was their home. Then they went into Judea and

Samaria. Later, they went into the whole world. Then, they began their witness in . Rome was ”the 2. What should you do to make your life what Jesus ends of the earth” to them. wants it to be? We begin where we are, with the people we know.

Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 2, page 1

Unit 1, Lesson 2 Lesson 2 Given power by the Spirit?

Who? Us? Adult Bible Study in Basic English he people who believed in Jesus were given power. Then Peter asked the crowd of people to repent and be baptized. They could Tthen receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, too. Bible Text What is power? This word has many meanings. It can mean the Acts 2:1-16, 22, 24, 36-41 electric power that lights the darkness. It can mean your ability to do or act. Power means strength. It can mean control over others. Power can mean control over ourselves. Power is a powerful word. Memory Verse Power is energy. A powerful person is a strong person. Long ago, 2 Timothy 1:7 the Holy Spirit gave power to the disciples. They spoke to people from “For God did not give us a spirit many countries without an interpreter, yet everyone understood what the of fear. He gave us a spirit of disciples said. That was because the Holy Spirit gave them power. power and of love and of a good Today the Holy Spirit still gives power to Christians. But the Holy mind.” Spirit gives us power in different ways than what the disciples received. When I speak to the internationals in my English class, they do not always Word List understand my words. We sometimes need an interpreter. But they know tornado, hurricane: a great storm with strong winds my love for them. They know what I do for them comes from my heart. Jesus gives us the power to minister to people from all over the world. We need Jesus’ power to carry out His ministry. In this study we will find the one thing we must do to be His witnesses: We must live in

agreement with His Spirit. This study will help you learn how to make this decision. It will explain why it is so important to your life and your witness.

When were believers first “filled” with the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:1-11)

The early Christians had not been “filled” with the Holy Spirit yet. They were still in Jerusalem because Jesus had told them to stay there. Everyone knew it was a holiday called .

“Pentecost” comes from the word for “fifty.” This was a feast

marking fifty days after the first fruits of the wheat harvest. It took place during the Passover (Leviticus 23:10, 15-16). During Passover, people came to Jerusalem from all over the Roman Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VERSION, Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, Christian Literature International, P.O. Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. This lesson was written by Carolyn Cree of Fort Worth, Texas. Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 2, page 2

world. Pentecost was a day to celebrate a great harvest of Acts 2:1-16, 22, 24, 36-41 1 The followers of Jesus were all together in grain. But on this day of Pentecost, it ended with the one place fifty days after the special reli- celebration of many people trusting Christ as Savior. gious gathering to remember how the Jews The believers were in much danger. The people who left Egypt. crucified Jesus were watching them. But Jesus had told them 2 All at once there was a sound from heaven like a powerful wind. It filled the house to wait there for the power He had promised to send (Luke where they were sitting. 24:49, Acts 1:5, 8). So they waited. 3 Then they say tongues which were divided What happened next changed the world forever. As the that looked like fire. These came down on Christians were together in prayer (Acts 1:14, 2:1), they heard each one of them. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. a great noise. It was like a tornado or hurricane. The sound Then they began to speak in other lan- filled the whole house. guages which the Holy Spirit made them The sound was one way God let the Christians know able to speak. something different was happening. The sound of great winds 5 There were many religious Jews staying in Jerusalem. They were from every country meant the Holy Spirit was coming to the believers. of the world. 6 When they heard this strange sound, they How are we “filled” with the Spirit? gathered together. They all listened! It was hard for them to believe they were hearing This “filling” was so important that Paul ruled it for all words in their own language. Christians. “Do not get drunk with wine. That leads to wild 7 They were surprised and wondered about living. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians it. They said to each other, “Are not these 5:18). Galileans who are speaking? 8 How is it that each one of us can hear his How do we become “filled?” own language? (1) Make Jesus your Lord. When we ask Christ to be our 9 We are Parthians and Medes, Elamites and Savior and Master, we receive the Holy Spirit. from the countries of Mesopotamia, Judea (2) Admit that you need the power of the Spirit. We can and Cappadocia, and in the coun- tries of , do nothing by ourselves. It is the Holy Spirit which makes 10 Phyrgia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the anything possible. parts of Libya near Cyrene. Some have (3) Stop sinning. To be “filled” by the Spirit is to let the come from the city of Rome. Some are Holy Spirit guide you. The Spirit cannot “fill” a sinful heart. Jews by birth and others have become Jews. (4) Give your will to God. We must give God control of 11 Some are also men of the countries of all our plans. We must give Him control of our lives. and Arabia. They are speaking of the (5) Ask the Spirit to control you. This must be done by powerful works of God to all of us in our faith. The Bible does not say how it feels to be controlled by own language!” 12 They were all surprised and wondered the Spirit. We must ask for and receive it by faith. about this. They said to each other, “What (6) Do this every day. We only need to receive Christ can this mean?” once to be saved. But we need to let the Spirit “fill” our lives 13 But others laughed and made fun, saying, every day. “These men are full of new wine.” 14 Then Peter stood up with the eleven mis- sionaries and spoke with a loud voice, Have you witnessed in the power of the Spirit? “Men of the country of Judea and all of When we depend on ourselves, we cannot do anything. But you who are living in Jerusalem, I want you to know what is happening. So listen several things happen when we let the Spirit lead us. This is to what I am going to say. especially true in telling other people about Christ. (Bible verses continued on page 3) First, some people will be confused. They will not Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 2, page 3

understand. Do not let this upset you. The same thing (Bible verses continued from page 2) happened to the first Christians. Everyone did not listen.

15 These men are not drunk as you think. It is Second, some people will make fun of you. Jesus warned only nine o’clock in the morning. us: “If they made it very hard for Me, they will make it very 16 The early preacher said this would hard for you also” (John 15:20b). happen.” Third, we will gain courage when we witness to others.

When you are afraid to tell someone about Jesus, ask the Spirit 22 “Jewish men, listen to what I have to say! to give you His boldness. And He will. “For God did not give You knew Jesus of the town of Nazareth us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and by the powerful works He did. God of a good mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). worked through Jesus while He was with you. You all know this.” Fourth, we will feel compassion for others when we are filled with the Spirit. Compassion is the feeling we get when we are sorry for another person’s problems. We want to stop 24 “But God raised Him up. He allowed Him their pain. We want to help make things better. to be set free from the pain of death. Death could not hold its power over Him.” Have you seen the power of the Spirit?

When you give your witness to others, some will not hear. But 36 “The whole Jewish nation must know for sure that God has made this Jesus, both many will. “When the Jews heard this, their hearts were Lord and Christ. He is the One you nailed troubled. They said to Peter and the other missionaries, to a cross!” ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37). 37 When the Jews heard this, their hearts were Many of those who hear the message of the Holy Spirit troubled. They said to Peter and to the other missionaries, “Brothers, what should will come to know the Lord. And they will be happy, so they we do?” will tell others. The church will grow larger by the power of 38 Peter said to them, “Be sorry for your sins the Spirit of God. and turn from them and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and your sins will be forgiven. You will receive the gift of the Ask yourself these questions Holy Spirit. First, have you asked the Holy Spirit to fill you with His 39 This promise is to you and your children. It power? Have you done this today? Why not do it now? is to all people everywhere. It is to as many as the Lord our God will call.” Second, are you telling other people about Christ? If not, 40 He said many other things. He helped them ask the Spirit to help you. Right now. understand that they should keep them- If you are not sure about all this, ask God to help you. selves from the sinful people of this day. Ask the Spirit to give you His compassion for those who don’t 41 Those who believed what he said were baptized. There were about 3,000 more know Him. Someone will be very happy that you did. followers added that day. Things to think about:

1. We need Jesus’ power in our lives. 2. We must give God control of our plans and our lives. 3. We need to receive Christ only once to be saved. But we

need to give Him our lives every day to be “filled.”

4. Ask the Spirit to give you His compassion for those who don’t know Jesus as Savior. Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 3, page 1

Unit 1, Lesson 3 Lesson 3 Helping others? Who? Me?

he Monday night after Christmas was a night like any other night. Adult Bible Study Our daughter, Janet, and our 17-year-old granddaughter, Cari, in Basic English T were at home in their computer room. They were having a good time talking to friends on the Internet. Then, they heard the smoke alarm. Janet went to see what the Bible Text problem was. Half the house was on fire. She called 911. Janet and Cari Acts 3:1-10 were able to get their dogs out of the house. They were able to move one car out of the garage. Then the house was in flames. The fire marshal said that in 30 Memory Verse seconds they would not have been able to get out alive. Acts 3:19 They stood barefoot in the cold December night. They watched their “But you must be sorry for your sins and turn from them. You house burn. Janet’s jewelry, her grandmother’s antiques, everything in the must turn to God and have your house was gone. But they were not hurt. We thank the Lord for that. sins taken away. Then many The tragedy left the family in shock. So many things had to be done, times your soul will receive new such as finding a new place to live. Clothes and household goods were strength from the Lord.” gone, so new things had to be bought. Some things can never be replaced, like her grandmother’s antique furniture. At times like these, we realize God’s goodness in tragedy. God’s Word List people came forward to help in many ways. A friend loaned them a motor antique, antiques: very old things which cost a lot or home to live in. Janet’s Sunday School class gave Cari almost $500 to buy are special for other reasons new clothes. My husband’s Sunday School class took a collection, too. compassion: a feeling of sorrow Janet works at a bank, and her friends there collected money, too. The for someone’s trouble people of God are the best people in the world. They are the first to give

help when it is needed. In this lesson, we will learn how Peter and John helped a hurting man. Jesus still helps people who are hurting. If we do what the disciples

did, we are pleasing God.

“Beautiful Gate”

Peter and John were going to the temple in Jerusalem for the afternoon prayer time. The Jews who lived near the temple went to three services— 9:00 a.m., noon, and 3:00 p.m. Peter and John were walking through the temple gate named

“Beautiful” when they passed a beggar. Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VERSION, Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, This lesson was written by Carolyn Cree of Fort Worth, Texas. Christian Literature International, P.O. Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 3, page 2

They were not surprised to see him. Many beggars were Acts 3:1-10 1 Peter and John were going to the house of there. This man was always at the gate. He was crippled since God about three o’clock. It was the time birth. He begged for help for over 40 years. Peter and John for prayer. probably saw him many times. 2 Each day a certain man was carried to the Today was different. Peter and John looked at the man. Beautiful Gate of the house of God. This man had never been able to walk. He was They listened. Why? The answer is that the Spirit of Jesus there begging for money from those who “filled” them. were going in. Many times Jesus 3 He asked Peter and John for money when showed compassion to those he saw them going in. 4 Peter and John looked at him. Then Peter in need. Peter and John were Think about it... said, “Look at us!” guided by His Spirit. They 5 The man who could not walk looked at could see this one man who What do you see? them. He thought he would get something needed help. from them. Do you see someone 6 Peter said, “I have no money, but what I have I will give you! In the name of Jesus The name of Jesus eating lunch alone? Do Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” you see the new Just seeing a person in need 7 Peter took the man by the right hand and neighbor near you? Do lifted him up. At once his feet and the is not enough. We must do you see the student at bones in his legs became strong. something to help. Peter and school who does not 8 He jumped up on his feet and walked. John did. seem to have a friend? Then he went into the house of God with “Peter said, ‘I have no them. He gave thanks to God as he walked. Jesus sees them. If you money, but what I have I will 9 All the people saw him walking and giving are “filled” with His Spirit, thanks to God. give you! In the name of you will notice them, too. 10 They knew it was the man who had been Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get sitting and begging at the Beautiful Gate. up and walk!’” (Acts 3:6). They were surprised he was walking. The beggar had hoped for money (Acts 3:3, 5). But Peter and John had no money to give. They give him something better. They healed his legs. He was healthy. He could now earn his own money. The

beggar began to thank God as he walked on his new legs. Peter and John healed the man by calling on “the name of Jesus” (Acts 3:6).

Power in a name What is this “name”? Why is it so full of power? Jesus promised that when believers “are gathered together in My name, there I am with them” (Matthew 18:20). To speak in His name (Acts 4:18-20) means to speak for Him. So, to heal in His name means to heal by His power. Peter and John had no power of their own. They could not heal this man’s body or save his soul. But they knew Jesus could. So, in Jesus’ name they made the beggar well. And the man was healed. Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 3, page 3

This happened hurt. And He will show you how to help someone else Think about it... because two disciples who is hurting. saw the hurting man. When did you last help Peter and John someone in pain? showed compassion to the man. They Things to think about

helped him by using When did you help 1. Who helped you come to know Christ? someone in trouble? the power Jesus gave them.

Do you want to help oth- We can do what 2. What things make a person “crippled” today? ers?

they did Ask Jesus to show you Hurting people are how and when to help. still all around us today. They have all kinds of needs. Those 3. What keeps us from seeing the hurting person? needs may be problems of the body. Their needs may be problems of the mind or soul. But the answers are still the same. We must see the one person and his or her needs. We must trust the name of Jesus to give us power. We must touch people 4. Do we sometimes give money instead of giving who are hurting. We can show compassion to the ourselves to help someone? Why? hurting. We can care for people just like Peter and John did. And Jesus still helps hurting people today. He will do what he did for the crippled beggar. He will give them a new life. But we must do what Peter and 5. Do you want to become more helpful to others? List John did: We must care enough to touch the hurting three things you can do to be more helpful to other person. people.

Jesus helps the hurting The people of God are helping my daughter, Janet. They are helping her to pick up the pieces of her life. Food, clothing, furniture—everything she needs is being brought to her. The fire was a terrible thing. But Janet will be able to go on. The people of God are making that possible. Their goodness is unending. Jesus sees you right now. He knows your name. He knows more about you than you know about yourself. If you call on Jesus’ name, He will help your Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 4, page 1

Unit 1, Lesson 4 Lesson 4 Always faithful? Who? Us?

t is easy for some of us to be faithful to God. We live in a place Adult Bible Study where there are many Christians. We see many churches in our town. in Basic English IIt is easy to be a Christian when you are one of many. But it is not an easy thing to be a Christian when you are alone. Have you ever had problems because of your faith in Christ? What did Bible Text you do? Acts 4:1-20 Hard times come to all people. It is the way of life. Facing problems makes some Christians bitter. It makes others better. Some people forget their faith during hard times. Others become more bold in their faith. The Memory Verse choice is ours. Acts 4:12 “There is no way to be saved from the punishment of sin through anyone else. For there Expect problems (Acts 4:1-4) is no other name under heaven The early Christian church was a great success. Three thousand people given to men by which we can be saved.” became Christians in one day (Acts 2:41). A crippled man was healed. The whole city was amazed at Peter’s preaching after this miracle (Acts Word List 3:11-26). cult: a religious group whose But Jesus had warned them that everything would not always be beliefs are not based on the easy: “If they made it very hard for Me, they will make it very hard for Bible you also” (John 15:20). They soon saw that His words were true. They persecution: hurting people for their religious beliefs were true then, and they are true today. crisis: a big problem we face in Jewish leaders came to talk to Peter and John. The leaders were life angry that Peter and John were teaching that Jesus rose from the dead. The courage: to be brave during a leaders did not believe that this could happen. hard time punish, punishment: action Why were the leaders angry? They each had their reasons. The taken against someone for leaders had planned the crucifixion of Jesus. They thought His teachings what they have done wrong were a danger to the nation. They did not want Jesus’ disciples spreading crucifixion, crucified: A way to his teachings. They thought the Christians were a dangerous cult. They punish someone by nailing them to a cross. This slowly had to be stopped. kills the person. “So they took them and put them in prison until the next day because : the highest Jewish it was evening” (Acts 4:3). The day had started well for Peter and John. court in Israel They had worshiped in the temple. They healed a crippled man. Many

people believed. But the day didn’t end well. Jail in those days was not like it is today. It was just a holding place.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VERSION, This lesson was written by Carolyn Cree of Fort Worth, Texas. Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, Christian Literature International, P.O. Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 4, page 2

Court could only take place during daylight hours. The next Acts 4:1-20 1 The religious leaders and the leader of the day, Peter and John could be set free. Or they could be house of God and some of the religious whipped or killed. The persecution of Christians had begun. group who believe no one will be raised A great promise of the Bible is found in the Old from the dead came to Peter and John Testament book of . “When you pass through the while they were talking to the people. 2 They were angry because Peter and John waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, had been teaching the people and preach- they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, ing that Jesus had been raised from the you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. For I am dead. the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Who saves 3 So they took them and put them in prison until the next day because it was evening. you” (Isaiah 43:2-3a). 4 But many of those who heard what Peter Note that God says, “When” you pass through the and John said put their trust in Christ. The waters. Not “if,” but “when.” All through the Bible, God’s group of followers was now about 5,000 people face problems. And God is always there to help. Know men. 5 The next day the leaders of the court and that God will be with you in times of trouble. the leaders of the people and the teachers My family has had many trials. We have had many of the Law came together in Jerusalem. illnesses. We have spent many days in the hospital. But all 6 the head religious leader was there. through our problems, God has been there. Because God has and John and were there also and all who were in the family been with us, we have been able to go on. We knowing that of the head religious leader. God always watches over us. 7 They put the missionaries in front of them and asked, “By what power or in whose name have you done this?” Speak boldly for Jesus (Acts 4:5-13) 8 Then Peter, having been filled with the Everyone has crisis times in their lives. It would be nice if we Holy Spirit, said, “You who are leaders of never had troubles. But we do. Crisis times ruin some people. the people, But a crisis can be a time to show that we belong to Jesus. It 9 are you asking us today about the good work we did to a man who needed help? can be a time to show other people the way to faith in Jesus. Are you asking how he was healed? We must show how faith in Jesus helps us in crisis. 10 You and all the Jews must know that it was The next morning, “the leaders of the court and the by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, leaders of the people and the teachers of the Law came the One you nailed to a cross and God raised from the dead. It is through Him that together in Jerusalem” (Acts 4:5). These three groups made this man stands in front of you well and up the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was the Jewish high court strong. in the land. There was no higher court in all of Israel. 11 Christ is the Stone that was put aside by Peter and John were now to stand trial before the you workmen. But He has become the most important Stone in the building. Sanhedrin. Peter and John faced the most important people in 12 There is no way to be saved from the pun- Israel. What would these two Christian men do? Would they ishment of sin through anyone else. For try to save their lives? Would they promise to stop speaking there is no other name under heaven given in Jesus’ name? Would they forget all that Jesus did and to men by which we can be saved.” taught? What power did two simple fishermen have before the Jewish leaders? Peter and John must have been scared. But they had a (Bible verses continued on page 3) power greater than their own. Peter was “filled with the Holy 13 They were surprised and wondered how Spirit” (Acts 4:8). He spoke with bold courage. He told the leaders that their good works were done in Jesus’ name. Peter Acts, Unit 1, Lesson 4, page 3

reminded the leaders that they had crucified Jesus. He also (Bible verses continued from page 2) reminded them that God had raised Jesus from the dead. Peter began to preach. “There is no way to be saved easy it was for Peter and John to speak. They from the punishment of sin through anyone else. For there could tell they were men who had not gone is no other name under heaven given to men by which we to school. But they knew they had been with can be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus. 14 They were not able to argue about what Pe- This was the same court and same men who crucified ter and John had said because the man who Jesus a few months before. But the people “were surprised had been healed was standing with them. and wondered how easy it was for Peter and John to speak. 15 The religious leaders told Peter and John to They could tell they were men who had not gone to school. leave the court so the leaders could talk to- gether. But they knew they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). 16 They said, “What should we do with these Peter and John had studied the Scriptures. Jewish boys men? Everyone living in Jerusalem knows a were made to study the Jewish books of Law. But Peter and powerful work has been done by them. We John had not been to the Jewish schools for harder studies. cannot say that it did not happen. 17 Let us tell them with strong words that they They were normal men. They were fishermen. And yet they must not speak again to anyone in this name. spoke the truth about Jesus with wisdom. This will keep the news from going out Peter and John knew this moment was important. among the people.” They preached the Good News of Jesus to the most 18 Then they called them in and told them they must not speak or teach anymore in the powerful Jewish leaders in Israel. name of Jesus. 19 Peter and John said, “If it is right to listen to A few final thoughts you more than to God, you decide about that. Every crisis is a chance to witness for Jesus. Are you before 20 For we must tell what we have seen and a “Sanhedrin” today? Give your crisis to the Lord. Ask heard.” Him to fill you with His Spirit. Trust Jesus to use your

words and witness. He will. The next time you think of giving up, look back to these verses in Acts. Before you give up, remember how God used the faithfulness of two fishermen. Then look to God. He will do it again. God will give you courage in your crisis.

Things to think about 1. In times of trouble, will you be faithful? Will you ask God to help you?

2. God will be with you as you face trouble.

Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 5, page 1 Unit 2 Introduction

Unit 2 Let nothing stop the witness he lessons for this unit will help us want to share the Good News of Jesus with everyone. God’s plan from the beginning was for His Adult Bible Study T followers to take His message to all the world. in Basic English The church in Jerusalem was growing. Stephen was the first believer killed because of his bold faith. Other believers had to leave Jerusalem. We learn in Lesson 5 how God showed Philip what to do. Philip took Unit 2 the message of salvation to the people of Samaria. Then he took God’s Lesson 5: Let nothing stop the Good News to the man from Ethiopia (Acts 8:4-8, 25-39). Good News (Acts 8:4-8, 25-39) In Lesson 6, we see how God changed Saul. His job was to find, jail, Lesson 6: Chosen to carry the or kill believers. Then he met Christ while walking down the road. Saul then Lord’s Message (Acts 9:1-22, 26-29) wanted to do what God wanted (Acts 9:1-22, 26-29). Lesson 7: Seeing a bigger world Lesson 7 shows us how Peter learned that the Good News was also for (Acts 10:1-5, 9-17, 23-48) those who were not Jews. God spoke to Peter in a dream and wanted him to Lesson 8: Don’t be afraid to share the Good News with Cornelius. Peter became sure that God could also change for God (Acts 11:1-4, save those who were not Jews (Acts 10:1-5, 9-17, 23-48). 15-26) In Lesson 8, we learn about church leaders in Jerusalem. They learned Lesson 9: Love all people the that God wanted them to take the Good News to people who were not Jews way God does (Acts 15:1-22) (Acts 11:1-4, 15-26). In Lesson 9, the church leaders agreed that God wanted the church to reach out to all people, even non-Jews (Acts 15:1-22). Much time has passed since the days of Acts. God still wants us to tell the Good News to people all over the world. We are to love all people as God does. We must let nothing stop us from telling God’s Good News.

Unit 2, Lesson 5 Lesson Let nothing stop the Good News 5 hen we love Jesus, we want all people to know about God’s love. It will not matter that they are different.

Adult Bible Study W My church has a Sunday Bible study for internationals. The in Basic English group has people from five different countries. In other times and other places, their countries might have made them enemies. Now they study the Bible together. Some have become Christians. The class wants everyone Bible Text from all countries to know about Jesus. Acts 8:4-8, 25-39 From Jews to (Acts 8:4-8) The Holy Spirit was working. New believers were becoming part of the Memory Verse church in Jerusalem every day. Then, the enemies of Christ planned trouble Acts 8:37b for the church in Jerusalem. They killed one of the followers named “I believe that Jesus Christ Stephen. is the Son of God.”

Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken The writer of this lesson is Phyllis Merritt. She lives in San Antonio, Texas. She has from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VERSION, taught English and Bible studies for internationals for 30 years. The first place she Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, Christian Literature International, P.O. Box 777, taught was in New York City. One of her dreams is to visit the home country of Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. every student she has ever taught. Her email address is: [email protected]. Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 5, page 2

Word List But Stephen’s death did not stop the church from growing. The evil people would go into homes of believers baptize, baptized, baptism: a religious act for and take away men and new followers of Christ women. Followers of Christ Good News: the Gospel. The news that God were put in jail. The evil sent Jesus as the way for people to have Think about it... people persecuted the their sins forgiven and to live with God An from God sent believers. forever. Philip to the man looking The believers were Holy Spirit: Another way that God makes for truth. That man was afraid. They had to leave ready to receive the Himself known to men and women. God their homes in Jerusalem. Gospel. God still sends shows Himself to humans in three ways: They left, but they took the people today to tell as the Heavenly Father, as the Son of message of Jesus with them others about Jesus. God (Jesus Christ), and as the Holy everywhere. The church Can you think of a Spirit. In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is also time you obeyed God grew even though believers called the Comforter, the Spirit, the Spirit and told someone about were persecuted. God used of Christ, the Spirit of God. The Holy His love? these hard times to send the God could have Spirit does God’s work among the people Good News to new places. made the angel tell the in the world. Philip was one of the Ethiopian man about the persecute, persecuted: to hurt or do painful leaders of the church in Good News. But this is things to a person because of their not God’s way of work- Jerusalem. He had to leave. religious beliefs ing. It is His plan that He went to the country of men and women are to Samaria. Samaria was tell other men and between Galilee on the women about what God Acts 8:4-8, 25-39 can do. north and Judea on the 4 Those who had been made to go to other south. Samaria had a places preached the Word as they went. different culture, a different 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and religion, and different ways of doing things. Jews and preached about Christ. Samaritans hated each other and did not trust each other. The 6 The people all listened to what Philip said. Jews thought they were better than the Samaritans. They As they listened, they watched him do would have nothing to do with the Samaritans (John 4:9). powerful works. But Philip told the people in Samaria about Jesus. 7 There were many people who had demons Philip told them that Christ lived, Christ died, and Christ in their bodies. The demons cried with arose. Philip told them that Christ wanted to be their Savior. loud voices when they went out of the peo- The Holy Spirit gave Philip the power to heal and to make ple. Many of the people could not move demons leave people. They were ready to believe (Acts 8:6- their bodies or arms and legs. They were 8). Many became followers of Christ. When they believed, all healed. they were baptized. 8 There was much joy in that city. Some Samaritans may have heard about Jesus earlier from the woman at the well (John 4). Jesus had gone to 25 Peter and John went back to Jerusalem Samaria and met a woman getting water from a well. Jesus after telling what they had seen and heard. showed His followers that it was good to care about people They had preached the Word of the Lord who are different. also. On the way they preached the Good Jesus also told His followers about the Good News in many other towns in the country Neighbor (Luke 10:25-37). The Good Neighbor was a of Samaria. Samaritan man who cared for a man he found beaten and 26 An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip say- bleeding. Jesus did not say it would be easy to care for ing, “Get up and go south. Take the road people different from us. But He promised to go with us and that goes down from Jerusalem to the help us (Matthew 28:20). country of Gaza. It goes through the The church in Jerusalem heard about Philip’s work. desert.” They sent Peter and John to help Philip. When Peter and John were returning to Jerusalem, they also stopped to (Bible verses continued on page 3) preach in many Samaritan villages (Acts 8:25). The Samaritans became followers of Christ. Then they Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 5, page 3

(Bible verses continued from page 2) received the Holy Spirit. This showed they were the same as other believers in Christ. Philip had learned how to share the 27 Philip got up and went. A man from the Good News with people who were not like him. country of Ethiopia had come to Jerusalem to worship. He had been made so he could Philip meets one Ethiopian (Acts 8:25-39) not have children. He cared for all the Philip had done a good job. It would have been easy to stay in riches that belonged to Candace who was a place where many people wanted to believe in Christ. It is Queen of Ethiopia. not easy to leave a place where sharing about Jesus is going 28 As he was heading back home, he was sit- well. Change is not easy. ting in his wagon reading about the early But God had a preacher Isaiah. new job for Philip. God 29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to sent an angel to lead What is baptism? that wagon and get on it.” Philip to another person 30 Philip ran up to him. He saw that the man who needed Jesus. Baptism shows that a person from Ethiopia was reading from the writ- Perhaps Philip has become a follower of ings of the early preacher Isaiah and said, wondered why he was Christ. But baptism does not make a person a Christian. “Do you understand what you are read- being sent away. He Baptism comes after the person ing?” had to go past knows he is a sinner, is sorry 31 The man from Ethiopia said, “How can I, Jerusalem to the desert for his sins, asks Jesus into his unless someone teaches me?” Then he road between Jerusalem heart, and tells others that asked Philip to come up and sit beside him. and Gaza. God had a Jesus is now his Lord. 32 He was reading the part in the Holy Writ- man there He wanted When a new believer is baptized, he is quickly dipped ings which says He was taken like a lamb Philip to meet. God under the water and brought up to be put to death. A sheep does not make saves one person at a again. It is a picture of Jesus’ a sound while its wool is cut. So He made time. Later, this one death, burial, and being raised no sound. man returned home to to life. Baptism is a way to 33 No one listened to Him because of His tell people in his show: (1) burying the sinful per- shame. Who will tell the story of His day? country about Jesus. son, (2) rising to new life as For His life was taken away from the earth. This man from Christ arose from the dead, and (3) having a new hope of eter- 34 The man from Ethiopia said to Philip, Ethiopia had been nal life and the return of Christ. “Who is the early preacher talking about, worshiping God in himself, or someone else?” Jerusalem. He was an 35 So Philip started with this part of the Holy important man, the Writings and preached the Good News of treasurer of his country. Now he was returning to his country Jesus to him. and trying to find answers in the Old Testament book of 36 As they went on their way, they came to Isaiah. He did not learned about Jesus in Jerusalem. So God some water. The man from Ethiopia said, brought the Good News to this man. God brought the Good “See! Here is water. What is to stop me News to this man through Philip. from being baptized?” The Holy Spirit sent Philip to the wagon the Ethiopian 37 (Philip said, “If you believe with all your was riding in. Philip could hear the man reading from the heart, you may.” The man said, “I believe book of Isaiah. Philip asked if he understood what he was that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”) reading. The man said he needed a teacher to help him 38 He stopped the wagon. Then both Philip understand. and the man from Ethiopia went down into Philip knew he was sent to help. He said the book of the water and Philip baptized him. Isaiah was written hundreds of years before Christ was born. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Philip explained that Jesus is the Savior that Isaiah wrote Holy Spirit took Philip away. The man about. Philip told the Ethiopian man about faith in Jesus. from Ethiopia did not see Philip again. He This man wanted to become a follower of Jesus, and he went on his way full of joy. wanted to be baptized. The Ethiopian man asked if anything could stop him from being baptized. He was not a Jew. He could not go to the temple in Jerusalem because he was a foreigner. He was a man who had been made not to have Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 5, page 4 children. But now he was a believer, and none of those things mattered. They found a place with water, and Philip baptized him. Then the Ethiopian man was “full of joy” (Acts 8:39). He started his journey back to his home country. Many people believe he began the first Christian church in his country. The Holy Spirit took Philip to preach the Good News in other cities. The message of Christ was going to more and more places. When the followers obeyed, nothing could stop the Good News.

And the Good News goes on… I once taught English to students from Ethiopia. They had names like “Gabre-mariam” or Gabre-Eyesus.” These are names from the Bible. is the name we use for one of God’s angels. Mariam is the name for Mary, the mother of Jesus. Eyesus is the same name as Jesus. They had these names because they are Christians. The man from Ethiopia heard the Good News almost 2,000 years ago and returned to tell others. And through the centuries, the Good News has been told again and again in Ethiopia.

Things to think about 1. Why was Philip so good at taking the Good News to different people and places?

2. Have you ever done anything like Philip did?

3. What does your church do to take the Good News to all people?

4. Have you ever taken the Good News to someone who was very different from you?

5. Do you know anyone who has taken the Good News to people when it was difficult?

Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 6, page 1 Unit 2, Lesson 6

Lesson Chosen to carry 6 the Lord’s message

Adult Bible Study od used Saul to carry the Good News to the people who were Jews in Basic English and also to those who were not Jews. G Once, Saul had been an enemy of the Good News. Then he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. He became a great missionary. He wrote many books in the . Every person who becomes a believer should want to share what Bible Text happened to them with other people. Acts 9:1-22, 26-29 An Enemy of Jesus (Acts 9:1-2) Memory Verse Who was Saul? Saul was born in the city of Tarsus in country called . Tarsus was a Roman city known for learning. Saul was a Roman Acts 9:6b citizen. His family was Jewish, and he followed the teachings of the Old “What do You want me to do, Testament. He wanted to hurt anyone who believed that Jesus was the Lord?” Messiah. Saul stood in the crowd and watched as people killed a Christian named Stephen (Acts 8:1). Word List Saul hated Christians. His job was to put them in jail. He wanted to

Messiah: The promised Savior, destroy Christian churches. He received letters that gave him the power to Jesus. God’s Son. The same go to the city of Damascus. He could bring back any Jews who believed in word in Greek is Christ. Christ. They would be beaten and put in prison. Jesus means Savior. Damascus was about 140 miles from Jerusalem. It would take about six days to travel there. Saul was glad to go to Damascus because he wanted to hurt the believers.

Saul becomes a follower of Christ (Acts 9:3-9) Saul wanted to get to Damascus quickly. He was even traveling in the heat of the noon sun. Suddenly, a very bright light came from the sky. The light was brighter than the sun (:13). Saul fell to the ground (Acts 9:4). He saw the light and heard Jesus speak to him. Jesus called out Saul’s name two times, “Saul, Saul, why are you working so hard against Me?” Saul had two questions, and Jesus answered them (Acts 9:5-6). First, Saul asked, “Who are You, Lord?” The answer came: “I am Jesus, the One Whom you are working against” (Acts 9:5). This meant that when Saul hurt the followers of Jesus, Saul was also hurting Jesus. The name of Jesus means “Savior.” Saul now knew that Jesus was the Savior. Saul’s second question was, “What do You want me to do, Lord?” The answer came again: “Get up! Go into the city and you will be told Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken what to do” (Acts 9:6). from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VERSION, Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, When Saul got up from the ground, he could not see. Saul needed Christian Literature International, P.O. Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. help to finish going to Damascus. His friends took him to the city. Saul had planned to come to the city and take prisoners. Instead, he

This lesson was written by Phyllis Merritt. She lives in San Antonio, Texas. She has taught English and Bible studies for internationals for 30 years. The first place she taught was in New York City. One of her dreams is to visit the home country of every student she has ever taught. Her email address is: [email protected]. Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 6, page 2

Acts 9:1-22, 26-29 was the one who was taken. For three days, he did not eat Think about it... 1 Saul was still talking much about how he or drink. He prayed. Every person needs to ask and answer the same ques- would like to kill the followers of the Lord. Saul had planned to tions that Saul asked: “Who is He went to the head religious leader. come to Damascus to hurt Jesus?” and “What does Jesus 2 He asked for letters to be written to the Jew- want me to do?” people. Now he did not want When we believe Jesus is ish places of worship in the city of Damas- to hurt believers. He was the Savior, we can be a fol- cus. The letters were to say that if he found Christ’s follower now. lower of Christ. Then we can any men or women following the Way of learn what Jesus wants us to do. We hear God calling, and Christ he might bring them to Jerusalem in we act on His calling. chains. Ananias helps Saul 3 He went on his way until he came near (Acts 9:10-19a) Damascus. All at once he saw a light from Ananias was a believer who lived in Damascus. God gave heaven shining around him. Ananias and Saul dreams about each other. God told Ananias 4 He fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice to help Saul. At first, Ananias was not sure it was a good idea say, “Saul, Saul, why are you working so to help Saul. Saul had been trying to hurt the believers. In the hard against Me?” dream, Ananias was told to find a man named Saul. God told 5 Saul answered, “Who are You, Lord?” He Ananias that Saul was expecting a man to come and help him said, “I am Jesus, the One Whom you are see again. working against. You hurt yourself by trying to hurt me.” Ananias told God, “He came here with the right and the 6 Saul was shaken and surprised. Then he said, power from the head religious leaders to put everyone in “What do you want me to do, Lord?” The chains who call on Your name” (Acts 9:14). Ananias heard Lord said to him, “Get up! Go into the city what God wanted him to do. He just wanted to be sure. and you will be told what to do.” We are like that sometimes. We do not always have 7 Those with Saul were not able to say any- enough faith to believe that God knows what is best for us. thing. They heard a voice but saw no one. God said, “Go! This man is the one I have chosen to carry 8 Saul got up from the ground. When he My name among the people who are not Jews and to their kings opened his eyes, he saw nothing. They took and to Jews” (Acts 9:15). Ananias went to find Saul. him by the hand and led him to Damascus. When Ananias saw Saul, he called him “brother.” 9 He could not see for three days. During that Ananias told Saul that he had been sent by Jesus. Ananias time he did not eat or drink. placed his hands on Saul and something like a covering fell 10 In Damascus there was a follower by the from Saul’s eyes. Saul could see again. He got up and was name of Ananias. The Lord showed him in a baptized. dream what he wanted him to see. He said, Later, Saul wrote a letter to the Christians in Rome. In “Ananias!” And Ananias answered, “Yes, his letter, he explained the meaning of baptism (Romans 6:1- Lord, I am here.” 4). He said it shows a picture of being buried. The person who 11 The Lord said, “Get up! Go over to Straight Street to Judas’ house and ask for a man was a sinner is “buried” in the water. Then, the person who is from the city of Tarsus. His name is Saul. baptized is raised out of the water. That is the same as when You will find him praying there. Christ arose from death and the grave. This shows the new life 12 Saul has seen a man called Ananias in a the person has in Christ. It is a picture of the hope of life that dream. He is to come and put his hands on lasts forever. Saul so he might see again.” Ananias learned in his dream about the job God had for 13 Ananias said, “But Lord, many people have Saul. Saul would preach to kings and to those who are not told me about this man. He is the reason Jews. Saul would also preach to Jews. Saul would suffer much many of Your followers in Jerusalem have because of his faith in Christ. had to suffer much. Read the rest of the book of Acts to see what happened 14 He came here with the right and the power in Saul’s life. (Later, Saul’s name changed to Paul.) Saul’s from the head religious leaders to put every- ministry was just as Ananias had been told in his dream. one in chains who call on Your name.” Telling the Good News in Damascus (Bible verses continued on page 3) (Acts 9:19b-22) Saul had the education, citizenship, and family to go to all kinds of people with the Good News. He began right where he Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 6, page 3

(Bible verses continued from page 2) was—in Damascus. He went to the Jewish place of worship and told them that “Jesus is the Son of God.” 15 The Lord said to him, “Go! This man is the The people who heard Saul were very surprised. They one I have chosen to carry My name among knew he had come to destroy the people who put their trust in the people who are not Jews and to their Jesus. Now he was telling them to believe in Jesus. Saul was kings and to Jews. proving Jesus was real. Saul had seen Jesus on the road to 16 I will show him how much he will have to Damascus. He had talked with Him and learned about a new suffer because of Me.” way of life from Him. Saul changed because he met Jesus. 17 So Ananias went to that house. He put his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus has sent me to you. You saw the Telling the Good News in Jerusalem Lord along the road as you came here. The (Acts 9:26-29) Lord has sent me so you might be able to see Later Saul went to Jerusalem. He wanted to be a part of the again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” believers there. They were not sure he had changed. They were 18 At once something like a covering fell from afraid of him. He needed a friend. the eyes of Saul and he could see. He got up In Damascus, God sent Ananias. In Jerusalem, God sent and was baptized. a man named to help Saul. Barnabas was a friend to 19 After that he ate some food and received Saul. Barnabas’s name means “son of encouragement.” strength. For some days he stayed with the Barnabas spoke and said a good word for Saul. followers in Damascus. Barnabas brought Saul to the church leaders and told 20 At once Saul began to preach in the Jewish them that Saul had seen the places of worship that Jesus is the Son of Lord on the road to Damascus. God. Think about it... 21 All who heard him were surprised and won- He explained how the Lord had spoken to Saul. Then he Have you ever had a dered. They said, “This is the man who beat friend like Barnabas who and killed the followers in Jerusalem. He told them that Saul had helped you when times came here to tie the followers in chains and preached for the Lord without were not easy? take them to the head religious leaders.” fear to the people in 22 But Saul kept on growing in power. The Damascus. So Saul stayed Have you ever been a Jews living in the city of Damascus won- with the followers and friend to someone who dered about Saul’s preaching. He was prov- preached everywhere for the was having a hard time? ing that Jesus was the Christ. Lord. He had no fear. When the religious leaders in Jerusalem wanted to kill Saul, the believers took him to another city. 26 When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried Saul started out trying to hurt the believers of Jesus. He to join the followers. But they were afraid of had been an enemy of the truth. But he became a believer. He him. They did not believe he was a true fol- was chosen by God to take the Good News to more people and lower of Jesus. places than anyone else. People who were not Jews would hear 27 Then Barnabas took him to the missionaries. about Jesus. Kings and rulers would hear about Jesus. Saul He told them that Saul had seen the Lord on the road. He told them also how the Lord had wrote more books of the New Testament than anyone else. spoken to Saul and how he had preached God has a plan for all who believe. He wants every without fear in Damascus in the name of believer to tell others about His love. Jesus. 28 After that he was with them going in and out Things to think about: of Jerusalem. 1. God chose Saul for a special work. Do you know what 29 He preached without fear in the name of the special work God wants you to do? Lord. He talked and argued with the Jews 2. God gives jobs to His followers. Ananias had one thing to who spoke the Greek language. They kept do. Saul had another. What are you able to do for God? trying to kill him. 3. Paul obeyed God. Have you obeyed God?

To do this week: Read another place where Saul (Paul) told how he became a follower of Jesus: :6-21. Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 7, page 1 Unit 2, Lesson 7

Lesson Seeing a bigger world 7 eter’s eyes needed to be opened. He had to learn that people who were not Jews also needed to hear about Jesus.

Adult Bible Study P Do you remember that Saul’s eyes were blinded when he first in Basic English saw Jesus? God sent Ananias to help open Saul’s eyes. Now Jesus opened Peter’s eyes. And the same thing happened to Peter as happened to Saul. Both began to tell others about Christ. Bible Text I once saw two men on a park bench Think about it... Acts 10:1-5, 9-17, 23-48 in New York City. One wore a good suit Look around. Do you like

and was reading a newspaper. The other to see beautiful flowers, wore old clothes. He had no socks. His wonderful sunsets, and tall Memory Verse trees? We enjoy seeing jacket was torn. He had no home. Acts 10:34-35 these things. But we do Which man needed most to know not like to see other “Then Peter said, ‘I can see, for about Jesus? Some people say, “The things: the poor, sick, old, sure, that God does not respect homeless person.” But the right answer is or the young who live in a one person more than another. He that both men needed to know about Jesus. different way than we like. is pleased with any man in any All people need to hear the Good News— Sometimes we want to look the other way. But nation who honors Him and does the rich or poor, the old or young, and what is right.’” that can keep us from people from all countries. seeing those who need The book of Acts shows God’s plan to Christ. Word List take the Good News to Jerusalem, Judea, dreams: visions used by God to Samaria, and all the world (Acts 1:8). God’s speak to people. Cornelius plan was working. and Peter both had dreams First, the church in Jerusalem preached to Jews in Jerusalem. Acts 2 as God worked with them. tells of 3,000 who were baptized. By chapter 4, there were about 5,000 Sometimes the Lord spoke Christian Jews. Then the church members were made to go to other places in the dream, and some or they would be persecuted. They preached wherever they went. times He used angels. Philip preached in Samaria. Then Philip told the Good News to a man Non-Jews: all persons who are from Ethiopia (Acts 8:26-39). That man believed and was baptized before not from the family of he went back to his country. . Also called Now, in Acts 10, Peter learns God wants him to preach to those who Gentiles. are not Jews. This lesson tells how the Lord taught Peter that he should tell persecute, persecuted: to hurt a non-Jewish person about Jesus. Peter’s eyes were opened. He began to someone because of their see a bigger world. religious beliefs The dream of Cornelius about a Jew named Peter (Acts 10:1-8) Who was Cornelius? He was a soldier in the Roman army and was in charge of 100 men. He lived in a non-Jewish city called Caesarea. It was a city by the sea where ships came. It was about 50 miles from Jerusalem. Cornelius and his family knew about God. He gave money to help the poor. He prayed. One day Cornelius had a dream during his afternoon prayer time. The Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VERSION, This lesson was written by Phyllis Merritt. She lives in San Antonio, Texas. She has taught Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, Christian Literature International, P.O. Box 777, English and Bible studies for internationals for 30 years. The first place she taught was in Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. New York City. One of her dreams is to visit the home country of every student she has ever taught. Her email address is: [email protected]. Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 7, page 2

Acts 10:1-5, 9-17, 23-48 angel told him to send men to the city of Joppa where Peter was staying. The angel did not preach to Cornelius. The angel 1 There was a man in the city of Caesarea by the told him how to find a man who will tell him about Jesus. name of Cornelius. He was a captain of an Ital- God’s plan is for people to tell other people. ian group of the army. Cornelius sent three men to find Peter. 2 He and his family were good people and hon- ored God. He gave much money to the people and prayed always to God. The dream of Peter about a non-Jew 3 One afternoon about three o’clock he saw in a named Cornelius (Acts 10:9-17) dream what God wanted him to see. An angel At the same time, Peter was praying in the town of Joppa. of God came to him and said, “Cornelius.” Peter and the other believers did not yet understand that they 4 He was afraid as he looked at the angel. He were to reach out to people said, “What is it, Lord?” The angel said, “Your besides Jews. God sent Peter prayers and your gifts of money have gone up More about Peter to God. He has remembered them. a dream to show him that the Good News is for all the Peter was one of Jesus’ fol- 5 Send some men to the city of Joppa and ask lowers. He was chosen by Simon Peter to come here.” world. Jesus to be a leader of the Peter was praying while early church when he was 9 The next day they went on their way. About sitting on the flat roof of a still a fisherman (Luke 5:1-11). noon they were coming near the town. At this house. He had a dream. A He had not always been a time Peter went up on the roof to pray. strong leader. At the trial of large cloth came down from Jesus, Peter said three times 10 He became very hungry and wanted something heaven with all sorts of four- that he did not even know to eat. While they were getting food ready to footed animals and snakes Jesus. Later, Peter was sad eat, he saw in a dream things God wanted him and birds. Some people think that he said those things. But to see. Peter loved Jesus, and Jesus 11 He saw heaven open up and something like a the four corners of the cloth trusted Peter. large linen cloth being let down to earth by the show the four ways to carry Jesus returned to heaven. four corners. the Good News—to the north, Then, He sent the Holy Spirit to help believers. The Holy 12 On the cloth were all kinds of four-footed ani- south, east, and west. Spirit helped Peter preach in mals and snakes of the earth and birds of the God told Peter to eat. Jerusalem. Three thousand sky. Peter said the Jewish laws believers were added to the 13 A voice came to him, “Get up, Peter, kill some- would not allow him to eat church (Acts 2:41) because of his boldness. thing and eat it.” anything that was dirty. 14 Peter said, “No, Lord! I have never eaten any- Jewish laws had rules about thing that our Law says is unclean.” 15 The voice said the second time, “What God has many things. God told him made clean you must not say is unclean.” again to eat. In the dream, Peter heard a voice say that what 16 This happened three times. Then it was taken God has made clean, Peter must not say is dirty (Acts 10:15). back to heaven. God showed Peter the dream three times. Peter learned 17 Peter thought about the meaning of the dream. what the dream meant. It was not about food. It was about The men that Cornelius had sent came. They people. Peter would obey God and not call any man unclean. were standing by the gate asking about Simon’s Peter learned that the Good News was for all men and women, house. not just for Jews. The men sent by Cornelius came to Peter’s door. Peter

had learned his lesson. He would go and preach to non-Jews. 23 Peter asked them to come in and stay with him for the night. The next day he went with them. He invited these men who were not Jews to stay that night. Some of the brothers from Joppa went along. They would leave the next morning. 24 The next day they came to the city of Caesarea. Cornelius was looking for them. He had gath- Peter preaches in the home of Cornelius ered all his family and close friends at his house. (Acts 10:23-48) 25 When Peter came, Cornelius got down at his Cornelius had prayed at his house, and Peter had prayed where feet and worshiped him. he was. God planned that they would meet. 26 But Peter raised him up and said, “Get up! I am Peter went with Cornelius’s soldiers and servant to just a man like you.” Caesarea. Cornelius and his family were waiting for them. He fell at Peter’s feet, but Peter would not let him stay there. He (Bible verses continued on page 3) explained that he also was just a man. Peter said that the Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 7, page 3

(Bible verses continued from page 2) Jewish laws said a Jew was not supposed to be in a non-Jew’s home. But God had shown Peter in the dream that no man is 27 As Peter spoke with Cornelius, he went into the unclean. Every person is the same in God’s eyes. Every person house and found a large group of people gath- needs to hear the Good News of Jesus. ered together. Peter began telling the people about Jesus. This is what 28 Peter said to them, “You know it is against our he said (Acts 10:34-43): Law for a Jew to visit a person of another nation. But God has shown me I should not say that any 1. God has spoken to the Jewish people. Peace has come man is unclean. through Jesus Christ. 29 For this reason I came as soon as you sent for 2. God gave Jesus the Holy Spirit and the power to do me. But I want to ask you why you sent for me?” good. 30 Cornelius said, “Four days ago at three o’clock 3. Jesus healed people and set them free from those who in the afternoon I was praying here in my house. were troubled by the devil. All at once, I saw a man standing in front of me. 4. Jesus was crucified. He had on bright clothes. 5. God raised Jesus from the dead. 31 He said to me, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your 6. Jesus told the believers to preach. prayers and has remembered your gifts of love. 32 You must send to Joppa and ask Simon Peter to 7. Jesus will judge the living and the dead. come here. He is staying at the house of Simon, 8. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be forgiven. the man who works with leather. His house is by the sea-shore.’ While Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit 33 I sent for you at once. You have done well to came to all those who were listening. Peter had obeyed God. come. We are all here and God is with us. We He went into the home of a non-Jewish person. He preached. are ready to hear whatever the Lord has told you They believed. to say.” The Jewish believers who came with Peter from Joppa 34 Then Peter said, “I can see, for sure, that God were surprised. They could hardly believe that these non-Jews does not respect one person more than another. could also receive the Holy Spirit. Peter said, “We cannot 35 He is pleased with any man in any nation who honors Him and does what is right. refuse to allow these people to be baptized.” 36 He has sent His Word to the Jews. He told them Peter’s eyes had been opened to see that the whole world the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ. needed the message of Christ. Jesus is Lord of All. 37 You know the story yourselves. It was told in all Things to think about: the country of Judea. It began in the country of 1. What are some good things Cornelius did before his dream? Galilee after the preaching of John the Baptist. 2. What did Peter’s dream mean? 38 God gave Jesus of Nazareth the Holy Spirit and power. He went around doing good and healing 3. How did Peter change after his dream? all who were troubled by the devil because God 4. How can we bring the Good News to all people? was with Him. 39 We have seen and heard everything He did in the To do this week: land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And yet they Write down what you would tell someone about what you killed Him by nailing Him to a cross. believe: 40 God raised Him to life on the third day and made Him to be seen. 1. What my life was like before I met Christ. 41 Not all the people saw Him but those who were 2. How I received Christ. chosen to see Him. We saw Him. We ate and 3. How Jesus gives meaning to my life every day. drank with Him after He was raised from the dead. 42 He told us to preach to the people and tell them that God gave Christ the right to be the One Who says who is guilty of the living and the Peter were surprised and wondered because the gift of the Holy dead. Spirit was also given to the people who were not Jews. 43 All the early preachers spoke of this. Everyone 46 They heard them speak in special sounds and give thanks to God. who puts his trust in Christ will have his sins Then Peter said, forgiven through His name.” 47 “Will anyone say that these people may not be baptized? They 44 While Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit came have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” on all who were hearing his words. 48 He gave the word that they should be baptized in the name of the 45 The Jewish followers who had come along with Lord. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for some days. Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 8, page 1 Unit 2, Lesson 8

Lesson Don’t be afraid 8 to change for God t is not easy to change. The churches at Jerusalem and Adult Bible Study in Basic English changed so they could take the Good News to all people. Today, some Ichurches have stopped growing. Some churches do not tell people in their area about Jesus. Churches must change so they can reach the people who live around them. Bible Text I once attended a church that was not very friendly to new people. Acts 11:1-4, 15-26 Church members thought only people like themselves could come to that church. But many new and different people moved into the neighborhood. Very few new people came to the church. So the church members decided Memory Verse to change. They decided to help the new people. They started a clothes Acts 11:18b closet, food pantry, and English classes. Now many of the new people “They thanked God, saying, come to church. ‘Then God has given life also to the people who are not Jews. Peter on trial in the church (Acts 11:1-4) They have this new life by being God’s plan for taking the Good News to all the world was going well. Jesus sorry for their sins and turning had told His followers that the Holy Spirit would give them power. The from them.’” believers told the people in Jerusalem. Now they began telling people all over Judea, Samaria, and every part of the world (Acts 1:8). Word List The missionaries and followers in Jerusalem learned that non-Jewish change, changed: not to be the people had become believers. Until this time, the only believers were born same; to be different Jews or they became Jews so they could be a part of the church. because of something that How did they become Jews if they were not born Jews? They went has happened. through the religious act of becoming a Jew. Some believers thought the missionary, missionaries: men non-Jews should go through the religious act of becoming a Jew, too. and women chosen by God So they sent for Peter to come and explain why he had gone to the to be His special helpers. home of Cornelius and preached to non-Jews. Peter told the Jews that God religious act of becoming a Jew: had saved these non-Jews because of their faith. He told them what (circumcise) to cut off a happened when he went to the home of Cornelius. male’s foreskin. This was The Jewish believers were not happy that Peter went and ate in the done to every Jewish baby home of a non-Jew. They thought he broke food laws written in the Old boy. It was a way to show Testament (Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14). the agreement God made Yes, Peter broke the food laws in the Old Testament. But God had with Abraham (Genesis told him to do it. 17:9-14). Peter was bold because he told the Good News to non-Jews. He broke down the wall between Jews and non-Jews. Christians today must learn how to take down any walls that divide us from non-believers. We can learn from Peter. He told the truth but also showed love to his fellow church members. He made a report with two parts: (1) how the Lord had changed him, and (2) how the Holy Spirit had come to the non-Jews.

He explained what happened to him and what God had done.

This lesson was written by Phyllis Merritt. She lives in San Antonio, Texas. She has taught English and Bible studies for internationals for 30 years. The first place she taught was in New York City. One of her dreams is to visit the home country of every student she has ever taught. Her email address is: [email protected]. Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 8, page 2

Acts 11:1-4, 15-26 The work of the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:15-18) Peter told the church that he and six other believers went to the 1 The missionaries and followers who were in home of Cornelius. Peter said God showed He was pleased by the country of Judea heard that the people sending the Holy Spirit. God showed them that non-Jews can who were not Jews had received the Word of be saved and have the Holy Spirit. There was no difference God. between them and the Jews. 2 When Peter went up to Jerusalem, the fol- lowers argued with him. This is what Peter said: 3 They said, “Why did you visit those people a. The Holy Spirit came to the believers at the home of who are not Jews and eat with them?” Cornelius. 4 Then Peter began to tell all that had hap- b. This was the same thing that happened when Peter pened from the beginning to the end. He preached to the Jews in Jerusalem. Three thousand new said, believers were added to the church at that time. c. Jesus had told them this would happen. 15 “As I began to talk to them, the Holy Spirit d. It was God Who gave the same gift to Jews and non- came down on them just as He did on us at Jews. So, how could anyone say anything against that? the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the Lord had said, ‘John No one could say anything after Peter had spoken. They baptized with water but you will be baptized could not be against the coming of the Holy Spirit to the non- with the Holy Spirit.’ Jews. They could not be against the baptism of non-Jews. If 17 If God gave to them the same gift He gave to they did, they would be against God. The Jews were learning us when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus that God had given life eternal to the non-Jews also. Christ, how could I stand against God?” Today, some believers do not want to reach out to others. 18 When they heard these words, they said They want things to stay the same. Other believers must have nothing more. They thanked God, saying, “Then God has given life also to the people the courage to stand against them. Peter was brave and who are not Jews. They have this new life by faithful. We must be, too. being sorry for their sins and turning from After Peter spoke, the people could say nothing more. them.” They gave thanks to God. They said, “Then God has given life 19 Those who went different places because of also to the people who are not Jews. They have this new life the trouble that started over Stephen had by being sorry for their sins and turning from them” (Acts gone as far as the cities of Phoenicia and Cy- 11:18). prus and Antioch. They had preached the Word, but only to the Jews. The church grows (Acts 11:19-26) 20 Some of the men from the cities of Antioch was another place where God was working. Antioch and Cyrene returned to Antioch. They was the third largest city in the area where Rome ruled. Only preached the Good News of Jesus Christ to the cities of Rome and were bigger. Antioch was the Greek people there. 21 The Lord gave them power. Many people put about 240 miles north of Jerusalem. Many different religions their trust in the Lord and turned to Him. were in Antioch. People in Antioch were always looking for 22 The news of this came to the church in Jeru- ways to sin. salem. They sent Barnabas to the city of Greek-speaking Jewish believers had come to Antioch. Antioch. The new believers talked about God’s love in Christ. At first, 23 When he got there and saw how good God they only talked with those who were Jews. Then, believers had been to them, he was full of joy. He told from Cyprus and Cyrenia came and began to talk to others them to be true and faithful to the Lord. who did not believe. 24 Barnabas was a good man and full of the Many people put their trust in the Lord (Acts 11:21). The Holy Spirit and faith. And many people be- new believers did not become Jews first. came followers of the Lord. The believers in Jerusalem heard about this. This time 25 From there Barnabas went on to the city of they wanted the new believers to feel they were a part of the Tarsus to look for Saul. church. They sent Barnabas, the one whose name means “to 26 When he found Saul, he brought him back to encourage.” He saw how good God had been to the new the city of Antioch. For a year they taught believers in Antioch. He told them to be true and faithful. many people in the church. The followers This good man was full of the spirit of God (Acts 11:24). were first called Christians in Antioch. Many people became followers of the Lord in Antioch. Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 8, page 3

Then Barnabas went to look for Saul. Saul would be a help in this city. Saul knew the Jewish ways. Saul knew about Greek culture. Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch, where the church was growing and people were sharing their faith. For a year, Saul and Barnabas worked together teaching the many people in the church. In Antioch, Jewish and non-Jewish Christians shared in the church. This is the city where the believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). Other people saw the new believers and said they were acting like Christ. They were Christians.

I have seen churches that did not grow. When I was a college student, I served as a missionary for one summer in Illinois. A missionary there showed me a church with its doors nailed shut. He told me that this was a church that was happy with just the members it had. They did not invite anyone else to come. They did not go and tell others about Jesus. Finally, all the people in that church got old and died. No new members were there to take their place. The church doors were closed. I have never forgotten how sad I felt when I saw that church. We must never let our churches be this way. We must keep the church doors open to everyone.

Things to think about: 1. When Peter returned to Jerusalem, why did the Jewish believers argue with him?

2. What was the church in Antioch like?

3. How could you be like Barnabas today?

4. How can your church be like the church in Antioch?

5. How can churches today make sure that nothing keeps us from reaching all people?

Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 9, page 1 Unit 2, Lesson 9

Lesson Love all people 9 the way God does

Adult Bible Study in Basic English he believers in the Jerusalem church were being arrested, beaten, and jailed. Some believers moved away to avoid being arrested. T When they moved, they took the Good News with them. The Jerusalem church had seen God at work in Samaria, Antioch, and other Bible Text places. Jews from a Greek background became Christians. Non-Jews Acts 15:1-22 became believers, too. Some people in the church still believed non-Jews must go through the religious act of becoming a Jew before they could be saved. Leaders Memory Verse came to talk about this in Jerusalem. Acts 15:11a It is important to understand that every believer becomes right with “We believe it is by the loving- God because of faith alone. Eternal life is a gift from God given to people favor of the Lord Jesus that we who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. Nothing else is necessary. People do are saved.” not need to go through the religious act of becoming a Jew. The early church had to learn this. Word List advice: to help tell the right thing A problem in Antioch (Acts 15:1-3) to do Some men from Jerusalem decided to go tell the Christians at Antioch what idol: a false god that the non- to do. They taught the believers there that they could not be saved unless Jewish people worshipped. they first became Jews. Not the one true God. Paul and Barnabas said this was not so. As Paul said later to a non- Jew, “Put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your family will be saved from the punishment of sin” (Acts 16:31). Paul did not tell the non-Jew that he What can we learn must first become a Jew. This problem had to be solved. The from this?

work of the church could not go on without an answer to the questions: 1. Sometimes when things are going well (1) Did non-Jews have to become Jews for the church, to be saved? Satan tries to divide (2) Could Jewish Christians visit and or destroy the work. eat in the home of a non-Jewish Christian? Both groups decided to take the 2. It is necessary to problem to the church leaders in Jerusalem. speak for the things On the way, Paul, Barnabas, and other that we know are right. believers stopped to meet with Christians. They traveled through the countries of 3. We can ask for help Phoenicia and Samaria. They told them how from others.

non-Jewish people turned to God. This made them very happy.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VER- SION, Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, Christian Literature International, P.O. This lesson was written by Phyllis Merritt. She lives in San Antonio, Texas. She has taught Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permis- English and Bible studies for internationals for 30 years. The first place she taught was in sion. New York City. One of her dreams is to visit the home country of every student she has ever taught. Her email address is: [email protected]. Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 9, page 2

Acts 15:1-22 Warm greetings and cold questions (Acts 15:4-6) 1 Some men came down from the country of Paul and Barnabas made a report of what God had done Judea and started to teach the Christians. through them. The Christians in Jerusalem greeted them. They said, “Unless you go through the reli- Some believers in Jerusalem had proudly kept the gious act of becoming a Jew as religious laws. They followed Jewish laws and customs. They taught, you cannot be saved from the pun- stood up and said, “Non-Jewish believers must go through the ishment of sin.” religious act of becoming a Jew. They must keep the Law of 2 Paul and Barnabas argued with them. Then Moses.” Paul and Barnabas and some other men The leaders decided to get together and talk about the were chosen to go up to Jerusalem. They problem. All the church was there to listen. were to talk to the missionaries and church leaders about this teaching. 3 The church sent them on their way. They Peter speaks (Acts 15:7-11) went through the countries of Phoenicia Peter and the others from Antioch did not speak first. Peter let and Samaria and told how those who were other people say what they thought. not Jews were turning to God. This made Peter was loved and respected by all. He was one of the Christians very happy. Jesus’ closest followers while Jesus was on earth. He had 4 When they got to Jerusalem, the church preached in Jerusalem when 3,000 people believed and were and the missionaries and the church leaders baptized. One time, Peter and John went to pray at the temple. were glad to see them. Paul and Barnabas A beggar who could not walk asked them for help. They told them what God had done through made him well (Acts 3). A crowd gathered, and Peter them. preached to them. Later Peter learned that God wanted him to 5 Some of the Christians there had been speak to Cornelius. All of Cornelius’s family became proud religious law-keepers. They got up believers. and said, “Doing the religious act of be- Peter was important enough in the church that he could coming a Jew and keeping the Law of have spoken first. Still, Peter waited to speak. At an earlier Moses are two things that must be done.” time in his life, he would not have been so patient. Now he 6 The missionaries and church leaders got gave others time to say what they wanted. Then Peter spoke together to talk about this. to the group. 7 After a long time of much talking, Peter Read Acts 15:7-8. He talked about the three persons of got up and said to them, “Brothers, you God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. know in the early days God was pleased to This is what Peter told them: use me to preach the Good News to the 1. God had chosen Peter to speak to non-Jews. The non- people who are not Jews so they might put Jews became believers. their trust in Christ. 2. The work of telling the Good News is God’s work. 8 God knows the hearts of all men. He God knows the heart of those who are sorry for their sins. He showed them they were to have His lov- makes their hearts clean. He gives them the Holy Spirit. ing-favor by giving them the Holy Spirit Believers should look at how we are all the same, not at how the same as He gave to us. we are different. 9 He has made no difference between them 3. The law is too heavy a load for Jews. They could and us. They had their hearts made clean never obey all the laws. Why should Christian Jews make when they put their trust in Him also. non-Jewish believers obey something they could not? 10 Why do you test God by putting too heavy 4. Salvation is a free gift. God gives it to everyone who a load on the back of the followers? It was believes in Jesus. too heavy for our fathers or for us to carry. 11 We believe it is by the loving-favor of the Barnabas and Paul give a report (Acts 15:12) Lord Jesus that we are saved. They are These two missionaries now spoke to the people. They told of saved from the punishment of sin the same the powerful works they saw God do among the non-Jews. way.” The Jewish Christians could not argue with this. Earlier, Paul had tried to destroy the church and all believers. Now it (Bible verses continued on page 3) was Paul who was trying to hold the church together. Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 9, page 3

In our day we also can tell others what God has done in (Bible verses continued from page 2) our lives. This is how the church grows.

12 All those who were gathered together said James speaks (Acts 15:13-22) nothing. They listened to Paul and Barnabas James was the brother of Jesus. He wrote the book of James in who told of the powerful works God had the New Testament. He was not one of the first disciples. Jesus done through them among the people who did have a named James, but it was not His brother are not Jews. James. James the disciple was the brother of John and the son 13 When they had finished speaking, James of . said, “Brothers, listen to me. James (the brother of Jesus) called himself a “servant 14 Simon Peter has told how God first visited owned by God and the Lord the people who are not Jews. He was getting Jesus Christ” (James 1:1a). He a people for Himself. was a leader of the Jerusalem A glimpse of heaven 15 This agrees with what the early preacher church. said, James reminded the My husband and I were 16 ‘After this I will come back and build again church what Peter had said. missionaries in New York the build of David that fell down. Yes, I will City. We had church ser- God showed His love for non- vices in an apartment. A build it again from the stones that fell down. Jewish people. Then James Christian from Brazil led I will set it up again. helped them remember what the singing. A friend from 17 Then all the nations may look for the Lord, the early preacher had said, Japan played the piano. even all the people who are not Jews who “Then all the nations may One Sunday school are called by My name. The Lord said this. look for the Lord, even all the teacher was from Africa, and another was from He does all these things. people who are not Jews who 18 God has made all His works known from France. Others came to are called by My name” (Acts worship from England, the beginning of time.’ 15:17). Thailand, Korea, and 19 “So we should not trouble these people who James said the church China. are not Jews who are turning to God. should not make it hard for Those church services 20 We should write to them that they should non-Jews to come to God made me think of how keep away from everything that is given to (Acts 15:19). He meant this: heaven will be. Christians gods. They should keep away from sex sins from all over the world You should not make the non- who will worship and not eat blood or meat from animals that Jews obey Jewish laws. together. have been killed in ways against the Law. God was choosing a new 21 For the Law of Moses has been read in people, made up both of Jews every city from the early days. It has been and non-Jews. Later, Peter read in the Jewish places of worship on wrote that this new people would be a chosen nation, a holy every Day of Rest.” people (1 Peter 2:9-10). The church would continue to preach 22 Then the missionaries and the church lead- the Good News to all. It did not matter where they were born ers and the whole church chose some men or what color they were or what language they spoke. from among them. They were to be sent to James and the church wrote letters to the non-Jewish the city of Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. Christians. These letters gave advice to the non-Jewish They chose Judas Barsabbas and . Christians: These men were leaders among the Chris- (1) The letters talked about some matters of food and tians. what to do. They said no believer should eat food that had been offered to an idol. (2) The letters said not to eat blood or eat animals that had been choked. (3) The letters said to keep away from sex sins (Acts 15:20).

The non-Jews accepted this advice. The church had made the right decision. Being saved comes by God’s free gift, not from obeying many laws. Everyone agreed with each Acts, Unit 2, Lesson 9, page 4 other: Now the Good News could be taken everywhere. Paul and Barnabas were on the side of truth. Only faith in Jesus will save us. Paul and Barnabas wanted peace among the brothers. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He wants His followers to be at peace. Paul and Barnabas were happy to tell the Good News that God saves us freely.

Things to think about 1. Going out two-by-two *In Jerusalem, two of Jesus’ followers worked together: Peter (one of the first twelve) and James (Jesus’ brother). *Paul and Barnabas were missionary partners. *Judas Barsabbas and Silas were sent with the letter to the new Christians (Acts 15:22). Are you serving God alone? Sometimes it helps to do things with another person. Do you have someone who can pray with you and visit with you? Try to find someone who will help you do God’s work. Set a time each week to pray and visit. Then you can go out two by two.

2. What if *What if God offered salvation only to the Jews? *What if God planned salvation for all people, but the Jewish Christians had not told non-Jews about salvation? *What if the believers in Jerusalem had not listened to Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James, but insisted that everyone must first become a Jew? *What if you had never heard about Jesus?

3. Our job today: Agree or disagree? *Reaching out to others can begin with one person in the church. Agree or disagree? *We can tell the Good News to others. It does not matter what language or color. Agree or disagree? *The best thing we can do is to tell what Jesus has done for us. Agree or disagree? Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 10, page 1 Unit 3 Introduction

Unit 3 Lessons for Christian living he four lessons in this unit tell us more about Paul’s missionary work. They teach some important lessons about Christian growth Adult Bible Study T and service. in Basic English Lesson 10, “How to have new life” (Acts 16:11-15, 22-34), is about two people in , a city of Macedonia. One was Lydia, a business woman. The other person was a man who watched the prison (a jailer). Unit 3 Their stories show that anyone may find new life through faith in Jesus. Lesson 10: How to have new life Lesson 11 is titled, “How to tell religious people the truth about (Acts 16:11-15, 22-34) God” (Acts 17:16-34). We find Paul preaching in , the city of idols. Lesson 11: How to tell religious Paul found ways to tell the truth to very religious people. people the truth about God (Acts 17:16-34) Lesson 12 is “How to serve God faithfully” (Acts 20:17-37). It tells Lesson 12: How to serve God about Paul’s last goodbye to the church leaders from . Paul’s life faithfully (Acts 20:17-37) of ministry is a good example for Christian leaders. Lesson 13: How to carry out your Lesson 13 is called, “How to carry out your mission in life” (Acts mission in life (Acts 28:16-31) 28:16-31). This lesson is about Paul’s visit to Rome. Even though Paul was a prisoner, he was able to preach and teach freely. Part of Paul’s life mission was carried out at “the center of the earth.” This unit finishes our Bible study in Acts. These 13 lessons help us see how the early Christian church learned to reach their world with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Unit 3, Lesson 10 Lesson 10 How to have new life

ang was a teacher from another country. She was in our city for Adult Bible Study about a year. Fang visited the Neighbors International Program in in Basic English F our church. She wanted to learn about the classes and workers. Fang (not her real name) said she would write about them when she went back to her country Bible Text Fang did not understand that our workers were volunteers. These 50 Acts 16:11-15, 22-34 church members help in the program but do not get paid. They teach English and other free classes each week. Women and men from 27 Memory Verse countries come to the classes. Many volunteers drive the students to class Acts 16:30-31 and help them in other ways. “As he took them outside, he One day Fang asked, “Why do all of you give so much time to help said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be others?” We answered, “Because we have put our trust in Jesus Christ. We saved?’ They said, ‘Put your trust follow His way of loving and serving others.” in the Lord Jesus Christ and you In this lesson, you will learn about some people who put their trust and your family will be saved from the punishment of sin.’ ” This writer of this lesson is Ann Pitman of Waco, Texas. She and her husband, Dr. Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken Gene Pitman, were medical missionaries in Nigeria in the 1960s. When they re- from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VERSION, Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, turned to the United States, Ann helped start the Neighbors International Program Christian Literature International, P.O. Box 777, in their church in 1970. She has been director, teacher, or English-as-a-second- Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. language (ESL) coordinator in the program since that time. Adults from more than 75 countries have been in classes over the years. Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 10, page 2

Word List in Jesus Christ. One was Lydia, a woman who sold costly purple cloth. Another person was a man who watched the baptize, baptized, baptism: a religious act for prison in Philippi. See how their lives changed when they new followers of Christ. Baptism shows trusted in Jesus. that the person has become a follower of

Christ. Baptism does not make a person a Christian. It is a picture of Jesus’ death, From Antioch to Philippi (Acts 15:36 to 16:10) burial, and being raised to life. Paul and Barnabas wanted to visit the churches in the cities earthquake: a sudden shaking or moving of where they had preached before. They agreed to go different the earth ways. Barnabas took with him. Paul chose Silas punishment: a penalty for doing wrong who was also a preacher. They met Timothy in and volunteers: people who do helpful work took him along. Later, Luke joined them at Troas. Paul and without pay his friends went from city to city making the churches stronger in the faith. Paul had a dream in Troas. A man spoke to him in the dream. He said, “Come over to the country of Macedonia and help us!” (Acts 16:9b). They followed God’s leading and left for Philippi. Acts 16:11-15, 22-34 Today, God does not often lead through dreams. We read the Bible and pray to God when we need help. But I 11 We took a ship from the city of Troas to know someone who had a dream that changed her life. the city of Samothracia. The next day we Rosa was from Spain. She married a Texan and was went to the city of Neapolis. living in our city. I drove Rosa and her two boys to our church 12 From there we went to the city of Philippi. every Thursday morning. She studied English and learned This was an important city in Macedonia. how to sew. Rosa and I had good talks about how someone It was ruled by the leaders of the country can trust in Jesus. Two years passed, and Rosa moved away. I of Rome. We stayed here for some days. kept praying for her. 13 On the Day of Rest we went outside the More than ten years later, Rosa wrote to me from city to a place down by the river. We California. She was home alone on Christmas night. As she thought people would be gathering there was sleeping, she saw Jesus standing by her bed. He spoke to for prayer. Some women came and we sat her and told her many things. Rosa wrote, “Now I understand down and talked to them. the things you told me. I told my sins to God and He forgave 14 One of the women who listened sold me. Now I trust in Jesus Christ and have a new life.” purple cloth. She was from the city of I have not seen Rosa again. I know I will see her in . Her name was Lydia and she was heaven one day. God promises that everyone who trusts in a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her His Son (Jesus Christ) will live forever in heaven. heart to hear what Paul said. 15 When she and her family had been bap- Women praying by the river (Acts 16:11-15) tized, she said to us, “If you think I am Philippi was an important city in Macedonia. Leaders of faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my Rome ruled the city. Many old Roman soldiers lived there. house.” She kept on asking. Then we went The people were proud to be Roman citizens. with her. No Jewish temple or place of worship was in Philippi. Paul and his friends could not worship at a Jewish temple on their Day of Rest (also called Sabbath). So Paul and his friends went outside the city. They found a group of women 22 Many people had gathered around Paul and praying by the river. Paul and Silas sat down and talked with Silas. They were calling out things against the women about Jesus. them. The leaders had the clothes of Paul The writer of Acts does not tell us all that Paul and Silas and Silas taken off and had them beaten said to the women. But we can guess that Paul probably told with sticks. them how Jesus had spoken to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). He probably told of Jesus’ death on a cross and (Bible verses continued on page 3) how Jesus rose from the grave. Paul probably said that Jesus is coming again. Finally, Paul probably told the women that Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 10, page 3

(Bible verses continued from page 2) people should turn from their wrong-doing by trusting in Jesus. Lydia was one of the women listening that day. She was 23 After they had hit them many times, they a business woman. The purple cloth she sold cost a lot of put Paul and Silas in prison. The soldiers money. When Lydia heard the words about Jesus, she put her told the man who watched the prison to be trust in Him. She must have brought her whole family with her. sure to keep them from getting away. They also heard and believed. They were all baptized together. 24 Because of this, they were put in the inside Lydia was the first person in Europe to become a Christian. room of the prison and their feet were put Lydia was so happy that she begged Paul and his group in pieces of wood that held them. to stay at her house. They agreed. Lydia accepted the best gift 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were pray- anyone could have. It was the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. ing and singing songs of thanks to God. Lydia’s home was probably the meeting place for the The other men in prison were listening to first Christian church in Europe. Later, Paul wrote a letter from them. Rome to the church at Philippi. The book of Philippians is that 26 All at once the earth started to shake. The letter. Paul called the members his “dear Christian brothers” stones under the prison shook and the and his dear friends. He also wrote, “You are my joy and doors opened. The chains fell off from prize” (Philippians 4:1). everyone. 27 The man who watched the prison woke up. From the river to the jail (Acts 16:22-28) He saw the prison doors wide open and Paul healed a young servant girl in the city of Philippi. The girl thought the men in prison had gotten away. was making money for her owners. The owners were angry. At once he pulled out his sword to kill Since Paul healed the girl, the owners could no longer use her himself. to make money. 28 But Paul called to him, “Do not hurt your- The owners told the self. We are all here!” leaders that Paul and Silas had Think about it... 29 The man who watched the prison called for broken the law. This was not a light. Then he ran in and got down in true. They dragged Paul and What about you? Have front of Paul and Silas. He was shaking Silas to the center of the city. you put your trust in with fear. The leaders ordered that Paul Jesus? 30 As he took them outside, he said, “Sirs, and Silas be beaten. Then they If you have not, read the what must I do to be saved?” put them in the safest part of verses listed below from 31 They said, “Put your trust in the Lord Jesus the prison (jail). the Bible. New life is Christ and you and your family will be The head jailer knew waiting for you! saved from the punishment of sin.” that the soldiers would kill 32 Then Paul spoke the Word of God to him him if one of his prisoners got Bible verses to read: and his family. away. So he guarded his John 3:16 33 It was late at night, but the man who prisoners well. John 1:12 Romans 3:23-24 watched the prison took Paul and Silas in At midnight, Paul and Romans 6:23 and washed the places on their bodies Silas prayed and sang in the Romans 5:8 where they were hurt. Right then he and jail. The other prisoners Romans 10:9 his family were baptized. listened. God sent an Luke 13:3 34 He took Paul and Silas to his house and earthquake which shook the 1 John 1:8-9 gave them food. He and all his family were prison. Doors flew open and full of joy for having put their trust in God. chains fell off. All the prisoners were set free! It was dark in the prison. The head jailer was afraid that the prisoners had run away. He knew the soldiers would kill him for losing the prisoners. So he decided to kill himself. The jailer pulled out his sword and was ready to kill himself. Paul stopped the jailer by calling out, “Do not hurt yourself; we are all here!” (Acts 16:28).

Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 10, page 4 Another life is changed forever Would you want to live there? Why or why not? (Acts 16:29-34)

The jailer ran to Paul and Silas and took them out of 4. How did the jailer know that God was with Paul the prison. He asked them the most important and Silas? question of his life. He said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Paul and Silas answered, “Put your trust in the

Lord Jesus Christ.” The answer to the jailer’s How was he kind to them? question is the same for everyone.

Acts 4:12 says, “There is no way to be saved from the punishment of sin through anyone else. For What did his question to Paul and Silas mean? there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we can be saved.”

John 14:6 says, “Jesus said, ‘I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one can go to the Father What Paul’s answer mean? except by Me.’” Paul spoke God’s words to the jailer and his family. The jailer took Paul and Silas to his house. He fed them and washed their hurt bodies. The jailer and his family were full of joy. They put their trust in Jesus Christ. They found new life in Him.

The rest of the story Remember Fang, the teacher? Let me tell you the rest of her story. She visited the Sunday Bible class in our church. She was given a Bible written both in English and her language. She started reading it. A few days before she left to go back to her country, she came to our house for a meal. Fang was excited. She said, “I have faith! I have faith! Now I believe!” I have not heard from Fang since she left, but I pray for her. Her life is not easy now, but I know she has a peace in her heart because she is trusting Jesus.

To think about: 1. Why did Paul want to visit the churches where he had preached before?

2. How did Lydia show that she had put her trust in Jesus?

3. Do you think Paul and Silas were treated fairly in Philippi?

Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 11, page 1 Unit 3, Lesson 11

Lesson How to tell religious people 11 the truth about God Paul’s joys and troubles (Acts 17:1-15) Adult Bible Study n the last lesson, Paul and Silas were freed from prison by an in Basic English earthquake (Acts 16:25-26). Then the leaders at Philippi learned that IPaul was a Roman citizen. They were sorry they had put him in prison. Before leaving Philippi, Paul met with the Christians and Bible Text comforted them (Acts 16:38-40). Paul, Silas, and Timothy then went on to Acts 17:16-34 visit churches in other cities. Paul preached to Jews and to those who were not Jews. He showed Memory Verse them that Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. Paul said to the Acts 17:24 people, “I preach this Jesus to you. He is the Christ” (Acts 17:3). Many “The God Who made the world Greek people and some leading women became Christians. and everything in it is the Lord of In Thessalonica, the jealous Jews made it hard for the preachers. heaven and earth. He does not They had to leave that place and go on to Berea. live in buildings made by hands.” In Berea, the Jews were glad to hear the Word of God. When the jealous Jews arrived, Paul’s Christian friends sent him away. Silas and Timothy did not go. The friends took Paul to the city of Athens in Greece. Word List In Athens, Paul was troubled and sad. He saw the whole city altar, altars: a special place to worshiping false gods (Acts 17:10-15). worship god, goddess: a being or thing Athens, the city of idols (Acts 17:16-21) that people think or hope Athens was an old, important city. It was the center of learning, art, and has power. A god is male, religion in that part of the world. Athens had many altars to false gods. and a goddess is female. Paul saw the idols made by men’s hands. The people of Athens idol, idols: a thing that is were strong in their beliefs and religious practices. The sad thing was that worshiped; it may be made they did not worship the true and living God. Seeing people worship idols of wood, gold, stone, or and false gods made Paul very sad. anything. In Athens, Paul talked with the Jews in their place of worship. He jealous: to want something very spoke with other people in the market place. Many came daily, wanting to badly that someone else hear some new idea or belief. owns. A jealous person can Two groups argued with Paul. One group followed the teachings of be angry and not trust other a man named Epicurus. He taught that happiness was the main thing to people. find in life. They believed that death was the end of everything. The other temple: a building used for a group followed the teachings of Zeno. They said that wisdom and self- special purpose, usually for control made people happy. They worshiped many gods. religious worship. Most people did not understand how Jesus could be raised from the

dead. But some wanted to hear more of Paul’s teaching. They invited him

to speak to the court on Mars’ Hill.

Paul preaches on Mars’ Hill (Acts 17:22-32)

Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VERSION, This writer of this lesson is Ann Pitman of Waco, Texas. She and her husband, Dr. Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, Gene Pitman, were medical missionaries in Nigeria in the 1960s. When they re- Christian Literature International, P.O. Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. turned to the United States, Ann helped start the Neighbors International Program in their church in 1970. She has been director, teacher, or English-as-a-second- language (ESL) coordinator in the program since that time. Adults from more than 75 countries have been in classes over the years. Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 11, page 2

When Paul preached on Mars’ Hill in Athens, the people Acts 17:16-34 listened. Paul talked first about the city and their worship of

many gods. He had seen many places and things of worship in 16 While Paul was waiting for Silas and Athens. He had even seen an altar with these words carved Timothy in Athens, his spirit was troubled on it: “To the god who is not known.” as he saw the whole city worshiping false Paul told the people about that “unknown” God Who gods. made the world and everything in it. Paul said, “You are 17 He talked to the Jews and other people worshiping Him without knowing Him. He is the One I will who were worshipping in the Jewish place tell you about” (Acts 17:23). of worship. Every day he talked with peo- Here is what Paul said about the true and living God: ple who gathered in the center of town. 1. God is the Lord of heaven and earth. (Idols have no 18 Some men from two different groups were power.) arguing with Paul. The one group thought 2. God does not live in buildings made with men’s hands. that men might as well get all the fun out (A large temple in Athens, the Parthenon, was used for the of life that they can. The other group worship of Athena, thought that wisdom alone makes men goddess of wisdom.) happy. Some of them said, “This man has 3. No one needs to lots of little things to talk about. They are care for God. He Idols of today not important. What is he trying to say?” needs nothing from When I was in my last year of Others said, “He preaches about strange nursing school, I went to Nige- men. (The people of gods.” It was because he preached of Jesus ria, West Africa, as a mission- Athens had many and of His being raised from the dead. ary for a summer. The Baptist altars where they Student Union of Texas sent 19 Then they took him to Mars’ Hill and said, offered sacrifices to me. “We want to hear of this new teaching of their gods.) I had never seen people yours. 4. God is the One worship idols, rocks, rivers, and 20 Some of the things you are telling us are trees. I worked in the Baptist Who gives life and strange to our ears. We want to know what clinic for women and children in breath and all things. these things mean.” Ire for six weeks. The clinic (A piece of wood or 21 The people of Athens and those visiting was built on a hill, just below a stone that has been large rock. from far countries used all their time in carved into an idol Some people from the town talking or hearing some new thing. does not have life or would lay food at the bottom of 22 Then Paul stood up on Mars’ Hill and said, breath.) the rock. Then, they would pray “Men of Athens, I see how very religious to the god they thought was in 5. God made all the you are in every way. the rock. They hoped the god people of all nations. 23 As I was walking around and looking at would give strong, healthy He guides them. babies to the women. the things you worship, I found an altar 6. God is not far An older missionary told me where you worship with the words written from any of us. He is that the Yoruba people wor- on it, TO THE GOD WHO IS NOT the reason we keep shiped 401 different idols or KNOWN. You are worshiping Him with- gods. Many of their houses had on living. out knowing Him. He is the One I will tell a room for the family idols. I 7. We are God’s you about. loved the people, but the idols children. We are not 24 “The God Who made the world and every- made me very sad. I think Paul like the gold or silver must have felt the same way thing in it is the Lord of heaven and earth. idols. (Idols have no when he was in Athens. He does not live in buildings made by life. God does have hands. life.) 25 No one needs to care for Him as if He 8. God now tells all people to be sorry for their sins and to needed anything. He is the One who gives stop sinning. life and breath and everything to everyone. 9. God will send Jesus Christ one day to judge the world. 10. God raised Jesus from death. That shows that Jesus is (Bible verses continued on page 3) God’s chosen One.

Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 11, page 3 (Bible verses continued from page 2) Not all was lost (Acts 17:32-34) Paul told the truth to the people of Athens. He was faithful in 26 He made from one blood all nations who his witness. Some laughed at Paul and his beliefs. A few live on the earth. He set the times and people put their trust in Jesus. No church was started there. places where they should live. I am glad to say that millions of people in Nigeria have 27 “They were to look for God. Then they left their idols. They now put their trust in the true and living might feel after Him and find Him because God. Today, there are a number of large churches in Ire and He is not far from each one of us. thousands of churches 28 It is in Him that we live and move and in the country. Few keep on living. Some of your own men people pray to the Think about it... have written, ‘We are God’s children.’ rock for healthy What idols do you have in your 29 If we are God’s children, we should not babies. A missionary life? think of Him as being like gold or silver or said that nearly half of What do you worship or put stone. Such gods made of gold or silver or the people in Nigeria ahead of God? stone are planned by men and are made by are now Christians. them. We thank God for all How important to you are 30 “God did not remember these times when He is doing in that money, job, learning, power, people did not know better. But now He great country. and fame? tells all men everywhere to be sorry for Let us pray that every person will These and other things can their sins and to turn from them. become idols if you let them. 31 He has set a day when He will say in the follow the true and right way if the people of the world are living God. Let us guilty. This will be done by Jesus Christ, pray that everyone the One He has chosen. God has proven will put their trust in this to all men by raising Jesus Christ from Jesus Christ, God’s Son. “He is not far from each one of the dead.” us” (Acts 17:27b). 32 Some people laughed and made fun when they heard Paul speak of Christ being To think about: raised from the dead. Others said, “We 1. How did Paul feel when he saw the people of Athens want to listen to you again about this.” worshiping false gods? 33 So Paul went away from the people. 34 Some people followed him and became Christians. One was Dionysius, a leader in 2. Which two main groups argued with Paul? What did each the city. A woman named Damaris be- one believe? lieved. And there were others also.

3. When Paul preached on Mars’ Hill, he gave several facts or truths about God. Which truths do you agree with?

Which ones do you not agree with?

4. Why did some of the people not believe that God raised Jesus from the dead?

Is it hard for you or someone you know to believe that? Why?

Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 12, page 1 Unit 3, Lesson 12

Lesson How to serve God faithfully 12 rother Starnes came to work with our church leaders. He was the pastor’s helper or assistant. Brother Starnes had been pastor of

Adult Bible Study Bseveral Baptist churches in Texas. At age 70, he retired from his in Basic English full-time job and started working part-time. Every church member loved Brother Starnes and his wife. They were kind and loving. Their smiles and caring ways brought them many friends. Both of them loved the Word of God and were good Bible Bible Text teachers. They prayed often for others. Brother and Mrs. Starnes also Acts 20:17-37 asked God to lead them. Brother Starnes visited sick people. He was

always busy serving God. Memory Verse At age 85, Brother Starnes decided to retire again. They moved to another city to be near their children. Our church members were sad and Acts 20:24b did not want them to leave. Some people cried. They knew they would ““I do not think of my life as not see Brother and Mrs. Starnes again. worth much, but I do want to fin- This Bible study shows Paul saying goodbye to the church leaders ish the work the Lord Jesus gave from Ephesus. Paul was like a father who had taught them the Christian me to do.” faith. Paul knew it was their last time together. His parting words were important ones. The leaders were sad when they heard that they would not Word List see Paul again. danger: to be at risk for being hurt One more time (Acts 20:17-24) example: a pattern or guide Paul was at , some 30 miles from Ephesus. He was waiting for his retire, retired: to stop working ship to sail. Members from several churches were with Paul. They were at a job after many years taking money to the needy Christians in Judea. Paul wanted to see the reunion: a meeting that brings church leaders from Ephesus one more time. He sent a message and asked together old friends them to come to Miletus. It must have been a happy reunion when Paul saw his friends again. He had so much to say to them. But he did not have much time. Paul spoke humbly and without pride. He thought of the joys and sorrows they had shared. All of them had served God together in Ephesus. Paul spent between two and three years in Ephesus (:1-41; 20:31). He started a church there and trained its members. God used Paul to do powerful works or miracles. People were healed of their diseases (Acts 19:11). Many people who did witchcraft burned their books in front of everyone. Trouble from the Jews brought Paul many trials and tears. But Paul worked day and night to teach, preach, and help others. Paul preached to both Jews and Greeks in Ephesus. He taught in open meetings. Sometimes he taught by going from one house to another house. Paul’s teachings were helpful and needed. His main message was, “Turn from your sin to God and put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

This writer of this lesson is Ann Pitman of Waco, Texas. She and her husband, Dr. Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken Gene Pitman, were medical missionaries in Nigeria in the 1960s. When they re- from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VERSION, Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, turned to the United States, Ann helped start the Neighbors International Program Christian Literature International, P.O. Box 777, in their church in 1970. She has been director, teacher, or English-as-a-second- Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. language (ESL) coordinator in the program since that time. Adults from more than 75 countries have been in classes over the years. Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 12, page 2

Acts 20:17-37 Paul said the Holy Spirit had told him to go to Jerusalem. He knew that troubles and chains waited for him

there. Being in danger did not worry Paul. He knew that 17 From Miletus he sent word to Ephesus. He nothing could keep him away from the love of God (Romans asked the leaders of the church to come to 8:38-39). Paul’s concern was for the churches. He was sure him. they would face many trials when he was gone. Paul wanted 18 When they got there, he said to them, to finish the work the Lord had given him to do. “From the first day that I came to Asia you

have seen what my life has been like. 19 I worked for the Lord without pride. Be- Paul’s words to the church leaders cause of the trouble the Jews gave me, I (Acts 20:25-31) have had many tears. Again, Paul told the leaders that he had spoken nothing but 20 I always told you everything that would be the truth. He had done all that he could. Now, it was their time a help to you. I taught you in open meet- to serve. Paul said that the Holy Spirit had made them the ings and from house to house. leaders. The Holy Spirit would guide them. 21 I preached to the Jews and to the Greeks. I The leaders were to keep a careful watch over told them to turn from their sin to God and themselves and the to put their trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. church. Their lives 22 “As you see, I am on my way to Jerusalem. should be pure and The family of Christ The Holy Spirit makes me go. I do not honest. The leaders Christian love binds together know what will happen to me there. should be good brothers and sisters in Christ. A 23 But in every city I have been, the Holy examples for others person born half way around Spirit tells me that trouble and chains will to follow. They were the world is still part of our be waiting for me there. to feed and care for family in Christ. 24 But I am not worried about this. I do not the church of God Recently, a young man think of my life as worth much, but I do like a shepherd cares from Korea put his trust in Je- sus Christ. He was later bap- want to finish the work the Lord Jesus for his sheep. The tized in our church. Soon after gave me to do. My work is to preach the leaders also were to that, he moved to another city. Good News of God’s loving-favor. guard the church My husband and I were his 25 “All of you have heard me preach the from danger. friends. My husband had been Good News. I am sure that none of you Paul told them his Bible study teacher. will ever see my face again. to watch out for false As he left, we encouraged 26 I tell you this day that I am clean and free teachers. The false the young man to read his Bible daily. One of the main from the blood of all men. teachers would teach ways God leads people today is 27 I told you all the truth about God. things that were through His Word. Another way 28 Keep a careful watch over yourselves and untrue. Paul said He leads is through prayer. We over the church. The Holy Spirit has made they would be like knew that God’s Word and you its leaders. Feed and care for the hungry wolves trying prayer would make him strong church of God. He bought it with His own to destroy the in his faith. We did what Paul did in verse 32. We gave our blood. church. They might brother over to God and His 29 “Yes, I know that when I am gone, hungry come from outside word of love. The young man wolves will come in among you. They will the church or they wrote to us, “I believe God has try to destroy the church. might be church a special plan for my life.” 30 Also men from your own group will begin members. The to teach things that are not true. They will leaders must try to get men to follow them. protect the church. 31 I say again, keep watching! Remember that for three years I taught everyone of you A sad goodbye (Acts 20:32-38) night and day, even with tears. Paul loved his brothers in Christ. He asked nothing from them. His hands had worked to buy whatever he needed. Paul (Bible verses continued on page 3) had served faithfully! Paul said his last goodbyes to his friends from Ephesus. He got on his knees and prayed with them. The leaders cried Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 12, page 3

(Bible verses continued from page 2) and put their arms around Paul. It was a sad time for them all. They were sorry they would never see him again.

32 “And now, my brothers, I give you over to A glad reunion God and to the word of His love. It is able It was a sad goodbye, but it was not the last goodbye. Paul to make you strong and to give you what preached that Jesus was raised from the dead. He said that you are to have, along with all those who those who put their trust in Jesus would be raised from the are set apart for God. dead, too. Paul knew that he would see his friends again. He 33 I have not tried to get anyone’s money or would see them in heaven. That is the wonderful promise of clothes. God. 34 You all know that these hands worked for The reunion in Miletus was a happy one. The reunion in what I needed and for what those with me heaven will be a happy one. Let us thank God for His love. It needed. has made a way for us to be a part of that great reunion one 35 In every way I showed you that by work- day. Let us also thank God for faithful leaders. They love us, ing hard like this we can help those who teach us, and guide us in our Christian walk. are weak. We must remember what the Lord Jesus said, ‘We are more happy when To think about we give than when we receive.’” 1. In what ways did Paul serve God faithfully? 36 As he finished talking, he got down on his knees and prayed with them all. 37 They cried and put their arms around Paul and kissed him. 2. What was Paul’s main message?

3. Do churches need to worry about false teachers today?

What kinds of messages do false teachers give today?

4. In what ways do people serve God today?

How will you serve Him?

Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 13, page 1

Unit 3, Lesson 13 Lesson How to carry out 13 your mission in life

Adult Bible Study On mission for God in Basic English he newspaper story was about a 100-year-old woman. She was born in Texas in 1899. Soon after she was born, her family T moved to California. An older brother died when she was 12. A Bible Text few days later, she was angry and confused. She decided to go to Acts 28:16-31 church. When she left, she was a different person. She was filled with faith. When the woman was 24, she visited a local jail with her pastor. Memory Verse At first, she was afraid. Then she saw that the women in jail were sad Acts 28:28 and lonely. She began praying with them and talking to them. She has “‘I want you to know that the led a prayer service at the jail every week for 75 years. The woman said Good News of God of knowing that God called her to help the women and give them hope. That has how to be saved from the punish- been her mission in life. ment of sin has been sent to the This Bible study is about Paul and his mission in life. Before Paul people who are not Jews. And met the Lord, his mission was to hurt Christians or put them in prison. they will listen to it!’” When Jesus called to Paul while he was walking to Damascus, the Lord gave him a different mission. (Paul’s name was Saul at that time.) The Word List Lord told Paul to take the Good News to people who were not Jews. confused: not able to think Paul’s life was changed forever. clearly Paul preached and taught in many places. He started churches in mission: a special work that God different cities. But he wanted to go to Rome most of all. Paul wrote a leads a believer to feel they letter to the Christians in Rome. (Paul’s letter is the book of Romans in must do the Bible.) He said he planned to visit them. Paul finally made it to trial: a court hearing Rome, but it was not as a teacher or preacher. It was as a prisoner! Paul probably wondered why God let him go to Rome as a prisoner. God’s ways are not our ways. It is hard to understand why God lets some things happen in our lives. But we must trust God to work out the details in our lives.

The long, hard trip to Rome (Acts, chapters 21-26) In the last lesson, Paul was on his way to Jerusalem. He was taking money to needy Christians there. His friends told Paul that he would face danger.

Paul said to them, “I am ready to be put in chains in Jerusalem. I am also ready to die for the name of the Lord Jesus” (:13b). Jews from Asia made the people in Jerusalem turn against Paul. They said he broke the Jewish law by bringing a Greek man into the

Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE VERSION, This writer of this lesson is Ann Pitman of Waco, Texas. She and her husband, Dr. Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, Gene Pitman, were medical missionaries in Nigeria in the 1960s. When they re- Christian Literature International, P.O. Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. turned to the United States, Ann helped start the Neighbors International Program in their church in 1970. She has been director, teacher, or English-as-a-second- language (ESL) coordinator in the program since that time. Adults from more than 75 countries have been in classes over the years. Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 13, page 2

Acts 28:16-31 house of God. The people cried out against Paul and beat him. They would have killed him, but the soldiers came. Roman

soldiers took Paul away to protect him. 16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed The people and some of the rulers heard Paul speak for to live where he wanted to. But a soldier himself. Later, the Jews planned to kill Paul, but the plan was always by his side to watch him. failed. Paul knew he would not get a fair trial in Jerusalem. 17 Three days later Paul asked the leaders of As a Roman citizen, Paul asked to be sent to Caesar, ruler of the Jews to come to him. When they had the Roman world (Acts 26:31-32). gathered together, he said, “Brothers, I The trip to Rome was long. Storms at sea made the trip have done nothing against our people or hard. But even in the storms, Paul showed his faith (Acts the way our early fathers lived. And yet, I 27:22-26, 35). The ship was wrecked on an island. After a was tied with chains in Jerusalem and snake bit Paul, the people waited for him to die. Instead of handed over to the Romans. dying, Paul healed many sick people. He told them about 18 I was put on trial, but they found no reason Jesus Christ and His love. to put me to death. They would have let me Paul found some joys during the trip, too. In some go free. places where they stopped, Christians came to meet him. 19 But the Jews did not like this. So I had to When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. He ask to be sent to Caesar. It was not because knew that the Good News was being preached, and believers I had anything against my people. were growing in their faith. 20 The reason I have asked you to come is to One of God’s greatest blessings in life is Christian tell you this. It is because of the hope of friendship. We share joys and sorrows, and we draw strength the Jewish nation that I am tied in these from one another. chains.”

21 They said to Paul, “We have had no letters from Judea about you. No Jew who has Rome at last! (Acts 28:16-28) come here has ever said anything bad After years of wanting to go, Paul finally made it to Rome. He about you. was able to live in a rented house, rather than in a prison. A 22 We would like to you from you what you soldier was chained to him day and night. Paul lost no time in believe. As for this new religion, all we beginning his mission in Rome. know is that everyone is talking against it.” After three days, he called the Jewish leaders to come to 23 They planned to meet him on a certain day. him. Paul was a Jew. He loved the Jewish people. In all of his Many people came to the place where he travels, Paul always preached to the Jews first. He did the stayed. He preached to them about the holy same thing in Rome. nation of God. He tried to get them to put The Jews of Rome had heard nothing bad about Paul. So their trust in Jesus Christ by preaching Paul told them why he asked them to come to him. He said, from the Law of Moses and from the writ- “It is because of the hope of the Jewish nation that I am tied in ings of the early preachers. From morning these chains” (Acts 28:20b). The Jewish leaders asked to until night he spoke to them. come at another time to hear about “this new religion.” 24 Some of them believed his teaching. Many people came to hear Paul preach. He spoke to Others did not believe. them all day. Paul wanted the Jews to put their trust in Jesus 25 As they left, they did not agree with each Christ. He knew that Jesus Christ was their only hope. Paul other. Then Paul said, “The Holy Spirit showed how God had spoken through the Law of Moses and spoke the truth to your early fathers the early preachers (). God had promised to send through the early preacher Isaiah. Jesus to save people from being punished for their sins. Some 26 He said, ‘Go to these people and say, “You of them believed Paul’s teachings, but others did not. will hear and never understand, you will Before the people left, Paul spoke words from the look and never see, Isaiah. Because the Jews had turned away, the Good News was being preached to those who were not Jews (the (Bible verses continued on page 3) Gentiles). “And they will listen to it!” Paul said (Acts 28:28b). How sad Paul must have felt when his own people turned away from God.

Acts, Unit 3, Lesson 13, page 3 (Bible verses continued from page 2) To the ends of the earth (Acts 28:30-31) Paul was free to teach and preach during the two years he was in Rome. Paul also wrote letters which we have today. Those 27 because these people have hearts that have letters are part of the Bible. They have shown Christians how become fat. They do not hear well with to live for more than 1,900 years. their ears. They have closed their eyes so Before Jesus went back to heaven, He told His followers their eyes do not see and their ears do not to tell others about hear and their minds do not understand and Him in Jerusalem, they do not turn to Me and let Me heal Judea, Samaria, and to On mission for God them.”’ the ends of the earth About 40 college students from 28 “I want you to know that the Good News (Acts 1:8). In those our church go on a special of God of knowing how to be saved from days, everyone mission trip each year at the punishment of sin has been sent to the thought Rome was the Easter. They visit six or eight people who are not Jews. And they will center of the earth. By prisons in Texas. Some of the going to Rome, Paul students sing for the prisoners. listen to it!” Others tell what God has done 29 After he had said these things, the Jews went “to the ends of in their lives. The visits make went away and argued with each other. the earth.” Paul the prisoners happy. They write 30 Paul paid money to live in a house by completed the letters to thank the students. himself for two years. He was happy for mission Jesus had The prisoners say the visits all who came to see him. given him. make a difference. 31 He kept on preaching about the holy nation Have you This is just one of many ways Christians today can be of God. He taught about the Lord Jesus thought about your on mission for God. Christ without fear. No one stopped him. mission in life? What has God called you to do? God has a perfect plan for every person. True happiness in life comes from finding that plan. The first step is trusting in Jesus Christ. Paul spent many years of his life following Jesus Christ and telling others about Him. Paul was on mission for God wherever he went. His life made a difference! Your life can make a difference, too.

To think about 1. Paul’s early mission in life was to get rid of all Christians on the earth. What did Paul do after the Lord called to him?

2. Paul’s call was to preach to the non-Jews (Gentiles). Why do you think Paul kept on preaching to the Jews also?

3. How can you find out what your life mission is?

4. How can your family and church be a part of your life mission?